Former minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's return to the political arena in contesting the position of Wanita Umno chief - which she once held - has sparked different opinions among political analysts.
Some were of the view that Umno needs an experienced leader like her, while others feel that the party must move forward with new leaders.
"I see Shahrizat's decision to run for the position of the women's wing leader as a result of internal factors affecting it.
"She wants to return (to the political arena) because of the weakness of the wing’s leadership at the moment.
"The wing needs a more experienced leader who can help Umno in its efforts to attract voters," Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) lecturer Azmi Hassan told Malaysiakini.
On Feb 17, Shahrizat (above), who led Wanita Umno from 2009 to 2018, submitted her nomination forms for the upcoming party election.
She said the decision was made after seriously considering the voice of the people who wanted to see reforms in Umno.
She had previously decided not to defend the position during the 2018 Umno polls, saying that she was stepping down and quitting active politics to make way for new blood.
The incumbent women's wing leader Noraini Ahmad was previously reported to be defending the position.
Commenting further, Azmi said the hope of the Umno grassroots is to bring in a neutral leader to strengthen the party.
"We are not only seeing the Umno election this time divided into two opposing groups, namely the president's (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) camp and the anti-Zahid camp. Wanita Umno may also face the same scenario," the associate professor added.
Political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Jeniri Amir opined that Shahrizat's victory in this election will send a negative signal.
"Her decision to contest for the position of Wanita Umno leader seems to signal that the party is devoid of leaders. It is an incorrect move. It is like 'old wine in a new bottle'," he said.
"She should help other young leaders to lead if she is not satisfied with the current leaders.
"If she wins it will be a burden to the party," he said, adding that Noraini's achievements as Wanita Umno leader cannot be measured in one term alone, especially during the political crisis and the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic.
‘Right to return’
Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political lecturer Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said it was up to Wanita Umno members whether to support Shahrizat or not.
"She has the right to return to compete. It is up to her to compete if there is support.
"But if there is no support, it will be difficult for her in the future," he said, also admitting that Wanita Umno is indeed facing the problem of a lack of leaders.
Shahrizat came under pressure during her tenure as Umno Wanita chief after family members including her husband Salleh Ismail, who was National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) chairperson, were accused of misappropriating a portion of a RM250 million loan granted to the company. Her husband was acquitted in 2015. - Mkini
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