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