Umno polls: Shahrizat will not defend her post

Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil will not be defending her position in the coming party elections.

This is because she takes the views of the rakyat very seriously, she said, and the rakyat have clearly expressed that Umno needs to change and renew itself.

"It is time for Wanita Umno to be led by a new leader who can bring new methods and ideas to gain support, not only from members of Wanita, but also from the rakyat.

"There are many leaders with potential among women, and there are those who are full of experience, even when they are young and energetic.

"I am very confident that if they are given the opportunity to lead Wanita  Umno, they will be able to do a good job, especially in providing their service to the rakyat," she was reported as saying by Umno Online today.

Shahrizat went on to call on all Wanita Umno members, especially those from the grassroots, to stay strong and remain the backbone of the party.

It is during a crisis that true leaders are tested, she said, on whether they will use their wisdom to face reality and sacrifice to bring changes, as well as to keep the spirit alive to continue the fight.

She also apologised for any mistakes she may have made when carrying out her duties as Wanita Umno chief.

"Thank you for this opportunity, and for the trust and loyalty of more than 1.3 million Wanita Umno members for my leadership all this time.

"I appreciate it a lot. The support and unity of Wanita Umno members enabled me to carry out my responsibilities and duties which were entrusted to me," she said.

The Umno party elections are expected to take place on June 23. -Mkini