Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz today told the younger members of the movement not to be over-ambitious in the grab for power and party posts.

Instead, she said they should learn how to shoulder the party's burden and responsibilities as these had become increasingly more arduous.

"I am asking the young generation to change their semantics and words like 'inheriting power', 'second-echelon leaders' and 'taking over posts' to 'inheriting and taking over work and responsibilities'.

"This is because the posts are limited so not everyone can dream about having power and high positions," she said in her policy speech before some 800 Wanita delegates at the movement's assembly today.

While Rafidah did not refer to anyone in particular in her speech, her advice could well be seen to be targeted at Umno supreme council member Azalina Othman Said whose supporters are toying with the idea of catapulting her to the top post in the Wanita wing.

Azalina, the founding chief of the junior Puteri wing, has kept a stony silence on the matter since the idea was floated in recent months.

The natural transition process would mean Rafidah - one of the most senior members of the cabinet - being replaced by her current deputy, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil when the Iron Lady retires.

However Rafidah, who celebrated her 64th birthday on Sunday, has yet to set out her retirement plans.

Party polls have been adjourned to after the general elections, which is expected to be held early next year.

Preparing for general election

All the three women are cabinet members - Rafidah being the international trade and industry minister, Shahrizat in charge of women, family and community affairs, while Azalina is the youth and sports minister - with varying degrees of grassroots support and popularity.

Though unpopular for her strong stand on issues and lack of grassroots touch, veteran politician Rafidah has been an effective leader of the movement.

Both Shahrizat and Azalina are relative newcomers as opposed to Rafidah and the duo have had a relatively smooth ride in their political careers.

In her policy speech today, Rafidah also exhorted Wanita members not to jostle for seats in the coming general elections.

She added that they should be working together to help the party and BN win big so that "the national agenda and Malay agenda could continue to be pursued".

"For the moment, let's not play 'political chess' as the individuals are not important. Let the leadership decide on the candidates," she said.

She said Wanita members must also not be preoccupied with inquiring about the date of the general elections, but instead ensure that all preparations are in place.

Watch the three-minute video here.