Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said today the wing’s members do not have to take drastic feminist actions such as burning bras to gain leadership positions in the party.

"The beauty of struggle within Umno is that we do not have to take to the streets, nor do we have to burn our bras for instance," she told a press conference.

In response to party president Najib Abdul Razak's policy speech, Shahrizat implied that unlike in other parties, Umno members do not have to take extreme measures to be heard.

"A long time ago, we would have to do all kinds of things to get justice for women. In Umno, there's no need. We fight very courteously and politely," she said.

Shahrizat was referring to Najib's policy speech in which the party president said he will take into consideration Wanita Umno's request for one vice-president and divisional vice-head seat.

Reminiscing, she said when former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was in power, all she had to do was ask, and he granted.

"During Tun M's (Mahathir) time, I asked to amend Article 8 of the Federal Constitution so that there will not be any discrimination based on gender. He approved," she added.

She also pointed out that even when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was prime minister, he approved of the motion to have at least 30 percent of qualified women holding positions of power.

"Najib's speech gave me hope – it shows that he heard the women's voice. We have 'parked' that issue. We now have closure. So, when the year comes where the constitution gets to be amended, we hope the leaders will make the right decision," she said.

Also present at the press conference were Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Puteri Umno chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.

Asked if Najib's decision to maintain the Sedition Act will deter youths from joining Umno, Khairy said he believes the majority of Malaysians support retaining the Act, particularly the younger generation.

"We have never hindered anyone in terms of criticism. As well as in terms of political openness, we have never punished nor indicted anyone who gave fair criticism of the government.

"What hasn't been said of the PM? Of me or of Shahrizat? You know, we don't just haul these people under the Sedition Act," he said, adding that the Act is there to protect the country.

Khairy, who is also youth and sports minister, said Malaysia does not practice “absolute power” hence the reason for boundaries.

Touching on the Harmony Bill which was under consideration to replace the Sedition Act, he said there is "no need for it anymore".

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