Rafidah: Hardworking party leaders sidelined

Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz today blamed party leaders who were jostling for position and power for the party's downward spiral in popularity.

Delivering her opening speech in the wing's meeting session this morning, Rafidah said this new power crazy syndrome has brought about a new culture in Umno, that of money politics and rewards.

"Support is not given to those who have the ability to work but instead to those who can offer something," she said.

"The fight for position in the party is looking as though it's a tender offer - those making the highest offer in considered.

"In fact, it is more akin to an auction of party positions," she added.

She was however glad that there were still some party leaders and delegates with strong integrity.

"But how long can they last when they are continuously harassed and induced by those who can pay off?" she asked.

Rafidah is facing a challenge to her post from her deputy Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. The election for party posts in the Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri wings are taking place today.

A total of 796 Wanita delegates, 791 Youth delegates, 789 Puteri delegates will determine the fate of the candidates in the race for top leadership posts as well as seats in the executive council of their respective wings.

Voting process ended at 1pm. Results are expected to be announced at 9pm.

Rebranding is insufficient

In her speech, Rafidah also said that rebranding the party alone was "not enough", She stressed that the party should look deeply into the "content of the product itself" in order to correct itself to achieve the objectives.

She said that by the content, she meant the Umno members themselves "who have been voicing loudly that Umno should change itself if it wants to be accepted by the people especially the young generation".

But the party should remain as it is, added the veteran party leader.

"There are no flaws with the party which has been the haven for the Malays in the past 62 years. The ones who should change themselves are the Umno members," she said.

"Since the heated campaign to grab the highest post in the party back in 1987, money politics had started to creep into Umno because it was initiated by different political camps.

She reminded the delegates that Umno became non-existent as a result of the power battle in 1987.

Rafidah also gave the wing's full support to incoming party president Najib Abdul Razak.

"It is important for each Umno member to give full support to Najib as the new president. The women's movement, just like it has been for the past 60 years, will always be with the president and the leaders to protect the race, religion and the nation," she said.

First salvo against Shahrizat?

Rafidah also appeared to have taken an aim at her challenger Shahrizat in her speech.

Rafidah who appeared subtle in her fiery speech, hit out ‘indirectly' against the Ministry of Women's Affairs, which was headed by Shahrizat for two terms before a cabinet reshuffle following Barisan Nasional major setback in the last general election.

The ministry is now led by Shahrizat's successor Ng Yen Yen.

According to Rafidah, the ministry was set up following the hard work done by Wanita Umno through its continuous links with non-governmental organisations.

"With this, Wanita has put the uppermost responsibility to defend the rights of the women to this ministry.

"If the rights are ignored, the ministry should study where it has gone wrong in handling the women's issues," said Rafidah.

On the same note, she added, the contest between the duo was not about "winning or losing".

"What we should do is, leave behind the campaign rivalry. I will not be happy if this happens. We are here to nominate a candidate under the Wanita symbol and not based on individuality," she said.

The ‘win-at-all-cost' contest would result in the end of the road for either one of them.

Shahrizat, in challenging Rafidah, is not defending her deputy post. That post was won uncontested by Kamilia Ibrahim.

59th Umno AGM programme