As the race towards the internal Umno elections intensifies, the party's women's wing in Penang has thrown their support behind national chief Sharizat Abdul Jalil, despite her being embroiled in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) controversy.

State Umno Wanita chief Zabariah Wahab said the 13 divisions in Penang want Sharizat to retain her post, which she held since 2009.

"We fully support her due to her commitment to the party and her contribution to women's development in the country," she said when contacted.

Zabariah maintained that Sharizat, who is former Women, Family and Community Development minister, is a "credible leader and is capable" of running the party's women's wing.

"She managed to get women involved in government and policy-making during her tenure. This includes the formation of Jalinan Rakyat, Skuad Sayang and Salam Sayang which have brought many women together," Zabariah added.

nfc office front When asked about Sharizat's link to the RM250 million NFC scandal, which resulted in her resignation from her minister's post last year, Zabariah claims it has no effect on her leader's chances of victory.

"Maybe there are some people who are not satisfied with her about this but we in Penang are fully behind her," the former Bertam assemblyperson said.

When asked about Pengerang MP and former Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman Said who wants to challenge Shahrizat at the polls, Zabariah said: "I dont want to comment about that but we wish to state that we fully support Sharizat".

Zabariah also said no state Wanita leaders would be contesting for any supreme council post but several will go for the state exco post.

So far, there are four leaders from Penang in the Wanita Umno executive council.