Wanita UMNO must be brave and explain to the people of Langkawi that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's era as a leader has passed, said Wanita UMNO chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

She said today only the present UMNO leadership lead by its president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could continue the development agenda for the island that was started by Tun Dr Mahathir .

"We are grateful to (former prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir (for bringing development to Langkawi). But life must go on. Do not be afraid of saying this (to the people of Langkawi)," she said when opening Langkawi Wanita UMNO Delegates Conference here today.

She said that Tun DR Mahathir who is now with the opposition was merely a bait to get the support of the Malays who form about 90 percent of the voters in Langkawi.

"Like it or not, that is the reality...voting for Tun Dr Mahathir is the same as voting for DAP to be the government," she said.

Shahrizat said it was not impossible for Barisan Nasional to repeat its over-whelming victory during the 13th General Election by winning the Langkawi parliamentary seat and and the two state seats under it.

She said what was important was the loyalty and discipline of the UMNO members to continue working together in the coming general election.

"Even before GE13, it was said that we faced great challenges in Langkawi but in the end, we won with a big majority," she said.

She said Wanita UMNO's preparations for the GE14 was in the final stages and each member must ensure that their machinery was functioning well.

"This is the last lap, do not slacken. We must continue to be calm in performing our duties," she said.

-- BERNAMA