VIDEO l 1:58 min

UMNO ASSEMBLY Prior to the last general election, one of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s biggest headaches came from the Wanita Umno chief.

NONE This was in relation to the NFC scandal in which Shahrizat Abdul Jalil’s family was embroiled in.

However, Najib, who is also Umno president, has now termed the wing as the “backbone” and “mother” of the party.

Yesterday, Shahrizat, when addressing the Wanita delegates, urged for the wing to be given greater recognition .

She had said that Wanita members should be accorded more roles in the government or government-linked companies (GLCs) and state Umno liaison committee.

Thanking the women for their contribution, Najib today said the wing played an important role in strengthening the party all these years.

“In fact yesterday morning, this spirit was displayed by the Wanita Umno deputy chief.

“When I visited them during the assembly, she tapped her backbone as a sign to the Temerloh wanita chief, who was speaking then, to tell the assembly that Wanita Umno wants to be called the backbone of the party,” he said.

“I heard it and I considered the request. When I thought about it, the role and the spirit of Wanita Umno have always been highly appreciated and valued.

“So I officially declare Wanita Umno as the backbone or mother of the party. Thank you Wanita,” he added during the Umno general assembly.