Boycott will stop PKR’s forced by-election spree, says Shahrizat

(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: Boycotting the Penanti by-election is the best remedy to stop PKR’s “forced” by-election spree, Barisan Nasional Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said.

She said that participating in the by-election would only encourage PKR to push for more by-elections to satisfy its ulterior political motive.

“In the case of Penanti, it is all about PKR’s internal power struggle. So why must we follow PKR’s political sandiwara (games)?’’ she said after chairing the first Barisan Nasional Wanita meeting under the new leadership at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

Stressing that Barisan was not a coward for backing off from the by-election, Shahrizat said such a move would put a stop to PKR’s “planned” by-elections.

“When there are no takers, PKR’s by-election game may stop,’’ she said.

Shahrizat also announced that the meeting had appointed Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun as the coalition’s women wing’s coordinator for programmes.

“We are taking a two-pronged approach to make sure issues related to women and family are given priority.

“We will fight for women and family issues either through the component parties or through Barisan.

“The other approach is to bring the 1Malaysia programme to the grassroots,’’ she added.