Other than the standard staple of Pakatan bashing, the re-election of Shahrizat Abdul Jalil  as Wanita Umno chief and reappointment as federal minister seems to be the main theme of the movement's general assembly in Kuala Lumpur today.

NONE Leading off is an impassioned plea from a Wanita Umno delegate who called out to party president Najib Abdul Razak to return Shahrizat ( right ) to "her rightful post" as federal minister.

"Even without a position, she works hard," said Halijah Puteh, the Wanita delegate from Langkawi, while debating Shahrizat's policy speech during the morning session of the Wanita assembly.

She also expressed full support for Shahrizat's leadership of the wing, adding that the embattled leader should stay on at it's helm.

This was echoed by several other delegates who spoke after her.

The same sentiment was shared by other Wanita delegates polled by Malaysiakini .

"We still give our full support. All 191 divisions from the whole of Malaysia still support her as Wanita chief," pledged Dayang Safora Abdul Wahid from Sabah.

While Ruswati Miamad from Kelantan praised Shahrizat and support her for "her far sighted vision" in advancing the Wanita cause.

Rosniadah Md Nor of Sabah added that Shahrizat is a hard worker "who does work that comes with her position, and will come down (to Wanita activities) either night or day".

Delegates: Not time for Kamilia yet

NONE The delegates also believe that it is not yet time for Shahrizat's deputy Kamilia Ibrahim ( below ) to fill the former’s shoes.

"Maybe not yet for now, or maybe not at all, as Shahrizat is doing a good job," said Dayang Safora.

Her thoughts were shared by Azizah Yusof of Kelantan who said, "it’s not that I do not support her (Kamilia), but she has to wait (her turn)".

Delegates also denied that the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal involving Shahrizat's family has tainted her leadership or personality.

"NFC is her husband's  business, she is not involved. At the time she was not even Wanita chief. (It has) Nothing to do with her," said Rosniadah.

While Rajamah Mahat from Selangor added that Umno members are mature people and the matter is already in the courts.

"But she is not the one who committed the mistake," she opined.

Shahrizat had stepped down as federal minister in April when her tenure as senator expired.

nfc office front There was intense pressure for her resignation as women, family and community development minister in the wake of the NFC scandal.

This involved the alleged abuse of a RM250 million government soft loan to the company, which is operated by her husband and children.

She was retained as Wanita Umno head, despite her deputy Kamilia Ibrahim's earlier demand that she quit the post.

Despite overwhelming support from the delegates, Shahrizat did not provide any further hint about her future during her winding-up speech.

However, she used her resignation as minister in March this year as an example to put across the message that Wanita has and will never bring any problem to Umno.

“I can walk out of the ministry. Do not bring any problem to the party,” the former women, family and community development minister said.

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