'Sharizat was never a liability'

Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin today said she has never regarded Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil as a liability to the party.

In fact, she even regarded Shahrizat as an asset and leader for Umno as well as the Wanita wing.

"I think the perception that the opposition has created is only because they are afraid of her credibility," said Rosnah.

"Shahrizat has never been a liability for Umno, not even once."

She also admitted that Puteri and Wanita Umno are fully supportive of Shahrizat.

"Yes, yes we are. We support all of our leaders in Barisan Nasional and Umno," she added.

Commenting on the party address by Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, she said the preparation for the next general has become a priority in this year's general assembly.

"If in the previous general assembly, it was considered as a 'possibility' of being the last general assembly (before the general election).

"But now it's no longer a possibility, it is for sure the final general assembly before the election," added Rosnah.

Therefore, the preparation should be at the top most level as according to Rosnah, the political scenario this time is different from the previous general elections.

What's important is that the party should defend all the seats that they had won from falling to the hands of the Opposition.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Puteri wing's focus, Rosnah said the main focus would be the preparation for the election, and also on some unsettled issues that are still lingering.

"Winning the election is our utmost priority. It's not just about the Umno AGM, it's not about ourselves, it's all about the party," she said.

When asked whether Najib had given any hints about the upcoming general election, she said "No hints."

"Election will happen between now and next year. I think the issue is not when the election but the level of our preparation," she added.

Umno is holding its 66th General Assembly which is believed to be the last general election before the crucial 13th General Election.

The assembly will see over 5,000 Umno delegates throughout the country coming together for the party's annual conference.