Umno Wanita deputy chief Kamilia Ibrahim is disappointed at BN chief Najib Abdul Razak’s failure to field her as a candidate, saying it shows that the coalition does not recognise the contributions of the highest hierarchy in the wing.

shahrizat abdul jalil As Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil ( left ) had earlier declined to contest, Kamilia said as the second person in command, she had expected to be fielded in Kuala Kangsar where she is division chief.

Her candidacy, she said in a Sinar Harian report today, would allow her to be involved in policies and decisions for women.

“The move by the BN to sideline me and other women in the wing surprises me. I am dejected as there is no proper recognition of  Umno Wanita,” she was reported as saying.

azlan Kamilia added that some state Wanita chiefs were also ignored, including those from Kedah, Johor and Terengganu.

“We have contributed a lot, but we are not given a place. Does this mean the top echelon of Umno does not recognise our qualifications and contributions, as most of us are also professionals?” said Kamilia, a lawyer.

“If what is asked is not heeded, Wanita has other choices as my struggle is for the country, religion, and race.

“If the door is not open for me, I will struggle elsewhere. If the door is closed, there is a possibility of other doors opening and I'll either split or create my own opportunities. I will consider these options as my struggle does not end here,” the daily quoted Kamilia as saying.

Protest mounts over BN list

Trouble is also brewing in Negri Sembilan as the daily reported protests against incumbent Jempol MP Lilah Yasin, who is defending his seat, by Felda Palong 11 residents.

Meanwhile elsewhere, eight BN activity centres in Johol, Negri Sembilan are also reportedly closed following protests against candidate Mohd Fadzil Abu Kassim.

This follows a report about protests against MCA’s Seremban parliament candidate Dr Yeow Chai Tiam.

In Johor Bahru, some 50 residents in Taman Desa Mutiara protested against the MIC candidate M Soorianarayanan, a newcomer, as they demanded a candidate from Umno be fielded there instead.

In Gua Musang, Kelantan, the division Umno committee member Aziz Mohamad will contest as an Independent for the Nenggiri state seat.

Protest against Bugaya candidate

Meanwhile, in Semporna, about 300 Umno members and voters in the Bugaya state constituency demonstrated against the retention of incumbent assemblyperson Ramlee Marahaban.

Eyewitnesses claim that the "spontaneous demonstration" this morning took place within the compounds of a Semporna Umno division committee member's house.

"It first took place in front of the Umno office but police advised that it be moved to a private area due to security concerns," said the eyewitness, who declined to be named fearing reprisal from Ramlee supporters.

He added that the protesters had held up banners calling for a change in candidates, arguing that Ramlee had "brought no development" to the area in the last five years.

"They say that Ramlee is not a local. They did not name an alternative candidate, but merely called for Ramlee to be replaced," he said.

Ramlee will be facing PAS candidate Hasai Tudai.

Sabah Umno chief Musa Aman on Tuesday urged against sabotage , following pockets of protest immediately after the candidate list was officially announced at the Sabah Umno headquarters.