PM, Shahrizat to explain resignation next week

Umno president Najib Abdul Razak and Wanita wing chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will address the wing's leadership next week to explain the circumstances leading to Shahrizat's resignation as federal minister.

"Seven thousand Wanita representatives from all over the country will be gathered. All will be explained there," the wing's assistant secretary Rosni Sohar told Malaysiakini today.

The briefing will take place at 3pm at the Umno headquarters in the Putra World Trade Centre,  Kuala Lumpur, next Friday, during a meet-the-prime minister programme.

"Both Shahrizat and the PM will address the representatives," Rosni said.

Asked whether the briefing session would also address possible dissent within the wing's ranks, she agreed that some may have felt slighted when news of their leader's resignation was announced.

"At the onset there were some who felt (slighted). If they do not feel anything, then they would not be human.

"We have already explained to them via phone calls and face to face sessions, but a full explanation is needed to clear the air," Rosni explained.

'No trouble in the grassroots'

The briefing, she added, would be in place of an earlier proposal for a road show to explain the matter.

"We don't have the time to go (on a road show), as most of us are busy working in our divisions and constituencies. So it is better to hold one session like this," Rosni reasoned.

However, she maintained that as a whole, Wanita was not in the least affected by what had happened and that its machinery remained strong and intact.

"I have not heard of any trouble in the grassroots," she said.

Looking at a silver lining, Rosni said Shahrizat's resignation may indeed be a blessing in disguise.

"Now, she has more time for Wanita. If before her duties were split between being a minister and Wanita chief, she can now focus more on the movement.

"She can also focus more on working to strengthen Wanita in the face of the coming general election," argued Rosni, who is also Hulu Selangor Wanita Umno chief.

Asked about the possibility of Shahrizat stepping down as Wanita chief, she dismissed the notion outright. 

Rosni also said that the movement is not concerned whether Shahrizat's ministerial seat is given to another Wanita representative or not, as that was under the PM's purview, their concern was only to work for the party.

Shahrizat will vacate her post of women, family and community development minister on April 8.