Although Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil secured the backing of delegates over the controversial National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) issue two days ago, some Umno delegates today found it hard to defend the minister and urged her to come out with a detailed explanation.
At the Umno annual general meeting (AGM) today, Pahang delegate Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak complained to party president Najib Abdul Razak that the grassroots were having problems addressing issues involving top party leaders.
"Please, top leaders, don't create more controversies. It is hard for us at the bottom to answer. The last one is NFC.
"President, please ensure our victory," said the delegate from Jerantut division.
Several delegates interviewed byMalaysiakini suggested that Shahrizat holds a briefing for them to explain the truth behind the NFC controversy.
"Explaining through the media is not enough. She has to go down to the grassroots and mobilise the (Wanita) publicity machinery to explain the issue," said Yahaya Hasan from Telok Intan division.
This view was shared by Puteri delegate Norrulhuda Marsidi from Labis, who felt the Wanita chief should explain thoroughly the issues raised by the Opposition.
Although the delegates agreed with Shahrizat that it was just slander from the Opposition, they were worried that some grassroot members may be convinced by the allegations.
"Although it is slander, it will still affect the party. Some from the grassroots may still believe it," said Misnan Ahmad from Kota Raja division.
Misnan further commented that it was fortunate that the issue was exposed before the general election, because it gave time for the enforcement agencies to investigate.
‘No protection for wrong doing’
"Umno has never protected leaders who have done wrong," he added.
The embattled Shahrizat managed to secure backing from Wanita delegates during the wing's annual general meeting on Wednesday with her fiery speech, but she answered none of the allegations, apart from repeating that she had nothing to do with NFC, in which her husband is the chairperson.
Nonetheless, all delegates interviewed told Malaysiakini that despite the controversy, Shahrizat was still a winnable candidate in the next general election.
They are convinced that Shahrizat is not involved in the scandal, and cited deputy inspector- general of police Khalid Abu Bakar’s statement that no breach of trust or irregularity was detected in his preliminary findings.
"It will not affect her status as a winnable candidate. The opposition will find whatever issues and mistakes, and try this and that issue. Every single issue will be manipulated as much as possible," said Yahaya.
Similarly, Tasik Gelugor delegate Azizah Mohamad said the NFC issue would not stop Shahrizat from winning her seat.
"She has her own uniqueness, she has worked from very early... I don't think it will be a problem," Azizah said.
Shahrizat was appointed a senator and assumed the post of women, family and community development minister. She had been defeated by PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency in the 2008 general election.
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