Shahrizat urged to back out from vice-presidential contest

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat has been urged to back out from competing for the party's vice-presidental post and reflect upon herself instead.

Federal Territory Secretary Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee said, Shahrizat also needs to drop any intention of pursuing top positions in the party and just resign.

"Shahrizat should reflect upon herself, and don’t seem as if she is hungry for a position. Her demands for a vice-presidential seat for the Wanita wing is uncalled for.

“She herself is a liability, and the best way forward is to resign, end of story,” he said during the Umno General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here Friday.

Shahrizat in her policy speech at the Wanita Assembly on Wednesday had demanded a vice-president and division vice-chief post be created for the Wanita wing.

She added, 171 Wanita divisions and 12,483 branches had seconded the motion.

There are some 1.3 million Wanita members, making up almost half of the total 3.5 million Umno members.

Party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak however said, he would discuss the matter with all the relevant quarters to find the best solution that would empower the party’s agenda.

But Syed Ali, who is also the Cheras division chief, said Shahrizat will seem more ‘clean’ if she does not demand any position for the Wanita wing.

“Shahrizat is seen as making suggestions that would only benefit only herself. This is not the first time I have issued a warning such as this. I have done so for many years.

“I don’t know what she sees that will bring any benefit to her. The Wanita wing will be even more progressive and prosperous without her,” he said.