Puteri Umno members must be mature and united to prove that the unit is relevant and recognised as a wing that is respected and its views acknowledged.

rosnah abdul rashid shirlin Its chief Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said Puteri must prove that it is not merely a cosmetic job and that it is not only good at canvassing for votes during elections.

"Please don't sideline us when it comes to bigger things. We want to be on equal footing with Umno Youth and Wanita Umno.

"We want to fly with wings just like them and become the backbone of a house which stands tall without nails," she said in her maiden policy address at its general assembly today.

Rosnah said for Puteri to remain relevant, it needs to correct weaknesses and always evaluate its direction.

"Puteri members synonymous with make-up, fashion and entertainment must strike a fine balance between the party's struggle and personal gain.

"Priority to party struggle will make us strong while a personal agenda will not take us anywhere."

'Be wary of the enemy within'

She reminded them to be wary of the enemy within and to close ranks after the party elections. Puteri will launch a programme to recruit new members next month.

On the amendment to the Umno constitution, she said Puteri has proposed that Youth and Puteri branch chiefs automatically become delegates to divisional meetings as this would increase involvement of the young.

umno 57th agm puteri umno 141106 puteri members Puteri has also proposed that the wing chiefs be allowed to sign application forms of new recruits so that more people can join the party.

Rosnah urged the government not to compromise with Indonesia which had imposed several conditions on those employing housemaids.

"The one day off for housemaids and allowing them to keep their passports will not benefit them much, while the risk for employers will be high."

She said the government should not be too dependent on Indonesia but diversify its sources of labour.

Rosnah, also the deputy health minister, proposed the setting up of a Malay medical university for traditional and complementary medicine as a platform for Malay students to continue the legacy.

She reminded Puteri members to start working for the next general election from now as it is not the time to sit down and relax.

"We have to learn from the past. Don't wait until defeat is near as it will lead to regrets," she said.

Puteri Umno deputy chief Shahanim Mohd Yusoff said the membership drive would focus on the young, particularly school leavers aged 18 onwards.

"We will nurture them with a spirit of love for Puteri and Umno and believe that once registered as voters, they will vote Barisan Nasional," she said.

Former Puteri Umno chief Noraini Ahmad said: "I believe that Puteri is on the right track and be united to undergo changes for the improvement of the movement and the party."

She said Puteri members were highly motivated by the proposed changes and showed positive reaction to the Key Performance Indicators directed by Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin. - Bernama