JOHOR BARU, 14 Nov 2008: Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and her executive council line-up should review their decision to reject a proposal to hasten the transition of leadership in the movement, said Johor Wanita Umno deputy head, Senator Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain.
Her view, however, went against the stand of Johor Wanita Umno head, Datuk Halimah Sadique, who wanted the transition of leadership from Rafidah to Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to remain in June.
“Wanita Umno needs sacrifice from Rafidah to review the plan and bring to March as it will strengthen unity in Wanita Umno,” Sharifah Azizah told Bernama here today.
Yesterday, after a special meeting with Wanita Umno divisions in Johor, Halimah said Johor Wanita Umno agreed with the transition plan for June next year.
However, Sharifah Azizah said a March transition will help Shahrizat in her duties as Wanita Umno and Wanita Barisan Nasional (BN) to face the 13th general election.
She said if Shahrizat was only acting head, she would face various difficulties in driving the election machinery of Wanita Umno and Wanita BN.
“What can she (Rafidah) do in three months? We hope she can sacrifice for the interests and unity of Wanita Umno,” said Sharifah Azizah who is also Kluang Wanita Umno chief.
She also called on state Wanita chiefs not to issue random statements on the issue before determining if they were in line with the grassroots’ wishes.
“I ask them to be honest. Do not make statements just to please someone,” she said.
Asked if the differences between her and Halimah showed that there was a split in Johor Wanita Umno, Sharifah Azizah who did not attend the special meeting, said it was not so. — Bernama
