Shahrizat all 'fired up' and ready

Wanita Umno chief to send ’clear’ message to detractors over National Feedlot Corporation issue

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (second from right), accompanied by her deputy Datuk Kamilia Ibrahim (second from left), deputy treasurer Noraslina Zainal Abidin (left) and assistant secretary Rosni Sohar (right), fielding questions from the media at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Sairien Nafis

   WANITA Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil is all “fired up” to answer allegations linking her to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) issue if it is raised by

delegates during the movement’s annual general assembly tomorrow.

“I am all eager to send out a ‘clear’ message, especially to people out there who have linked me to the issue.

“I do not need to explain anything because I have nothing to do with the NFC. However, if the delegates raise this matter, then I have no problems in facing it.”

Shahrizat, who is also  women, family and community development minister, said  she had been very patient on the issue because she realised that as a leader, she must keep calm and not flinch.

“But I will be very clear about this: if you want to know about the issue,  ask the people from the NFC,” she said  yesterday in  response to questions on whether she would use the general assembly to clarify the issue and defend herself.

“I should be focusing more on my work as Wanita leader and not tied down by all this talk,” said Shahrizat, who initially displayed her usual soft demeanour but revealed her more serious side when questioned repeatedly.

The Auditor-General’s Report 2011 had highlighted irregularities in the NFC of which the executive chairman is Shahrizat’s husband, Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail.

Shahrizat said the “outsiders” were targeting the issue as they were intimidated by Umno’s strength.  

“They are scared because they see that Umno is working very hard on the groundwork.

“The people love us because we serve them and that is what these ‘outsiders’ are scared of,” said Shahrizat, drawing applause from Wanita  members present.

Shahrizat said some were jealous of the work being done by Wanita Umno so they resorted to finding ways to paint a negative picture on the movement.

“But they have underestimated the strong will of Wanita Umno to persevere,” she said, drawing an even louder applause.

On the  assembly, Shahrizat  believed that the delegates would use the opportunity to touch on  issues which would benefit the people in general.

 “Wanita members are  focused and speak cautiously.

“They are very careful when elaborating and I am confident that they will be  objective and provide fruitful suggestions.”

Shahrizat also expressed  hope that more Wanita Umno members would be fielded as candidates in the next general election.  

“As we know, the party president possesses extraordinary wisdom, therefore, I believe that he will give the opportunity to Wanita members if he deems them fit.”