Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has urged her wing's leaders to aim for positions traditionally held by men, such as the menteri besar, chief minister and Umno state liaison heads.

" NONE I and my fellow Wanita exco members must be brave in our struggle as the ‘infrastructure' and ‘highway' for women to reach leadership heights that will make us proud.

"For example, become the menteri besar, chief minister, Umno state liaison chief and seek other high positions in the party," said Shahrizat ( left ) in her policy speech at the Umno Wanita annual general assembly today.

Shahrizat said that this would become a reality should Umno Wanita perform well during the 13th general election.

"I believe this is not impossible in the era of (Umno president and Prime Minister) Najib Abdul Razak because he is a visionary who is capable and brave in empowering women," she said.

Other than positions, Shahrizat called on the government to develop policies to ensure gender equity to bolster attempts to improve the economy in tandem with its slew of plans such as the New Economic Model, National Key Economic Area, National Key Results Area and the 10th Malaysia Plan.

"Gender equality does not mean women and men will be treated equally, or the rights of any gender will be marginalised," she said.

"Instead, this approach, coupled with gender equity as a bridge, will lead to equal treatment and opportunity based on needs and aspirations which are different for women and men."

Battle of the ‘ultras'

After a lengthy report on the wing's achievements for the past year, Shahrizat said that although much has been done, the wing must not rest on its laurels or be in a comfort zone.

She said that the wing must continue to ensure that it helps the Umno leadership and other component parties to ensure a big win during the next general election.

"This can only be achieved if we perform our traditional responsibilities of being close to the people and voters in ways that are strategic, disciplined and consistent.

"Don't traverse the journey only halfway or let go (of the struggle) because the people's trust and hopes in the party are carried by all of us," she said.

However, Shahrizat warned the 739 delegates present that the political climate had been evolving rapidly and Umno Wanita must act accordingly.

She said that while in the past, politics was a battle between the left-wing socialists and right-wing nationalists who espouse tradition and religion, the battle today is between "ultra-nationalists" and "ultra-religious conservatives".

"It is no surprise if the people are confused and bored, to the point where they do not care about politics," she said.