Shahrizat expected to quit all posts soon

Prime Minister Najib Razak says he will announce the position of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil at a suitable time.

The BN chairman and Umno president did not deny speculation that the Wanita Umno chief will resign from all her posts.

"It’s not a rumour. I will make an announcement at a suitable time," he told reporters after launching Jelajah Sayang 1Malaysia programme at Pasir Gudang Municipal Stadium in Johor today.

Also present were Shahrizat, the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor, Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman and Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Najib was commenting talks that Shahrizat will announce her resignation as minister and Wanita Umno chief in a ceremony attended by over 20,000 members nationwide.

Earlier, media representatives were all ears when word was out that Shahrizat would be making an important announcement at the function.

Shahrizat: Wanita BN will remain strong

Before the press conference, Shahrizat was seen discussing with Najib who later said that it will be announced at a suitable time.

Shahrizat was appointed as senator on April 9, 2009. Her term as senator will end on April 8.

She is implicated in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) issue of which her husband, Dr Mohamed Salleh Ismail is the chairman.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz were among those who urged Shahrizat to quit her posts to avoid being a burden to the party.

Meanwhile, Shahrizat said Wanita BN will not be divided and will work hard to ensure the party's victory in the general election.

The Wanita BN chief said it has undergone the transformation process and will remain united and strong.

"Wanita members always fear that something bad will befall the country. As such, they will visit all constituencies to ensure victory," she added.

- Bernama