Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pledged he will 'whisper' to UMNO president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to increase the number of candidates from the Wanita, Youth and Puteri movements in the coming 14th General Election (GE14).
The assurance was given by the UMNO vice-president who is currently carrying out the duties of the deputy president in front of Wanita chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as well as delegates from the three party wings when officiating the simultaneous opening of the three movements in conjunction with the 2016 UMNO General Assembly here Tuesday night.
"However, there is a prerequisite. The Wanita, Youth and Puteri movements must remain steadfast. Prove yourselves to the party leadership by working harder and with stronger determination to further strengthen the party through your respective machinery.
"I'm sure the party president, being an understanding and loving person he is, will be very nice to all of you, Insya-Allah (God willing)," he said.
Ahmad Zahid who is also the Deputy Prime Minister also expressed his confidence that the three movements would become the main generator in ensuring UMNO would remain relevant and continue to survive.
Ahmad Zahid also expressed his admiration for the performance of the three wings in the 13th General Election, whereby 33 Wanita candidates, 26 UMNO Youth candidates and eight Puteri candidates succeeded in getting elected as either a member of Parliament or a state assemblyman.
Delivering his message to the Wanita UMNO, Ahmad Zahid hoped that the strong fighting spirit of the movement would not fade in countering any allegations hurled by the opposition from jeopardising the peace and harmony enjoyed by the people.
"Do you know Kak Ijat (Shahrizat), female leaders from the opposition parties are scared of Wanita UMNO? But, don't be mistaken.
"The opposition was not scared of your blings but of your numerous touch-based programmes, such as the Sayang Squad, An-Nur Squad and Jalinan Rakyat activities. Without a credible leader with strong and quality leadership, such an achievement will be impossible. Congratulations Kak Ijat, Kak Zizah (Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun) and all Wanita UMNO leadership," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also reminded the Youth movement to strengthen its struggle and always in the forefront in dealing with the challenges faced by UMNO.
He said apart from the Youth leadership style under Khairy and deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun, the strong support shown by the movement members proved that UMNO could rely on them in facing the GE14.
Ahmad Zahid also expressed his confidence that Puteri UMNO would continue to shine through the various programmes organised to help the needy.
On the 2050 National Transformation (T50), the long-term roadmap of the country, Ahmad Zahid wanted the Youth and Puteri to cooperate actively by ensuring as many of the young groups were involved in giving their input and best ideas.
He said the dialogue or national discourse was a special and the best platform for them to voice their opinions, and involved themselves actively or passively as they were also partners towards building an excellent nation.
"As such, I very much hope when the national discourse or dialogue is held later, the Youth and Puteri movements will champion this national vision," he said. -- Bernama
Bernama
Tue Nov 29 2016
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pledged that he will 'whisper' to UMNO president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to increase the number of candidates from the Wanita, Youth and Puteri movements in the coming GE14. -Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.