PM Najib says no need for Shahrizat to quit as Wanita chief

By Shannon Teoh

March 23, 2012

Najib (left) speaking to media after the Wanita Umno gathering which has resulted in prime minister and the wing reaffirming its support for its chief Shahrizat. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak insisted today there was no reason for Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to cease being Wanita Umno chief as there is no proof or charge of wrongdoing in the RM250 million National Feedlot Centre (NFC) scandal.

Although Shahrizat announced on March 11 she would step down as women, family and community development minister when her senatorship ends on April 8, the veteran politician said she would continue to lead the 1.3-million strong wing.

“This is the policy of Umno as something is not proven yet or there must at least be a charge. If not there is no need to give up,” Umno president Najib told a press conference today.

Shahrizat was called in for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last month over allegations she and her family abused a RM250 million federal loan meant for the national cattle farming scheme but has not been hauled up to court. However, her husband Datuk Seri Mohamad Salleh Ismail, who owns the National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp) with their three children, pleaded not guilty on March 12 to criminal breach of trust and offences under the Companies Act in relation to RM49 million in public funds.

Najib also said he had met Shahrizat and her vice chief Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim and the duo had agreed to cooperate despite the latter recently calling for Shahrizat to relinquish leadership of the wing.

“Both leaders will cooperate fully after this as a united team. They will work effectively together as a team.

“Wanita Umno pledged to support Shahrizat,” the prime minister said at the press conference attended by both leaders as well as the party’s top brass.

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