KUALA LUMPUR, 11 Nov 2008: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he respected Wanita Umno’s decision to stick to the movement’s planned leadership transfer in June next year.
He believed that Wanita Umno had considered all the factors before making that decision.
“Any decision made could have contradiction, but the best solution must be found. Whatever it is, I respect the decision made by Wanita Umno,” he told a news conference after launching the National Sports Convention 2008 at the Putra World Trade Centre here today.
Najib was then asked about Wanita Umno vice-chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil asking for space to discuss with Kuala Kangsar division Wanita Umno head Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim about avoiding a contest for the Wanita No. 2 post in the party elections in March next year.
Shahrizat has received 113 nominations for the post against Kamilia’s 54.
Najib said he left it to Wanita Umno to decide on this.
He was also asked whether Shahrizat’s request to continue discussing to have the movement’s power transfer to be at the same time (next March) with that of the Umno parent body, Youth and Puteri wings, would divide Wanita Umno.
“It’s up to Wanita. I’m sure they have considered everything when they made the decision. So, who am I to say otherwise?” he replied.
Yesterday, the Wanita Umno executive committee at its meeting reiterated that there would be no contests for the movement’s chief and vice-chief posts.
The movement’s transition plan was announced by its incumbent chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz in August this year.
However, 73 divisions still nominated Shahrizat for the top post while Rafidah, the former International Trade and Industry Minister, has secured 117 nominations. — Bernama
