Puteri Umno has to be bold, courageous, patient and steadfast in unleashing its forays against the opposition in the 13th general election, said its chief, Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

Rosnah, who is also deputy health minister, said she hoped the painstaking planning for the next general election by the movement could be executed effectively.

"The 13th general election demands our sacrifices. This is a battle that must be won.

"It is not merely to defend our dignity, but also to determine the future of our next generation," he said at the launch of the Puteri Umno election machinery and the simultaneous annual delegates meeting of Puteri branches in the Papar division, here today.

Rosnah said Puteri Umno should change the perception created by the opposition that Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in the last general election reflected support for the ruling party was waning.

She said Puteri Umno now has 384,000 members, including 54,000 in Sabah.

- Bernama