Putting the contest in context: why only Shahrizat and Azalina for top Wanita
(TMI) – Call it the Umno dilemma: two spirited, headstrong women who believe they have unsullied reputations and are fit to contest the top position in Wanita Umno.
They are completely deaf to opinion outside the party and totally cheered their party’s strong showing in the last general election, where it won the largest share of national seats – 88 out of 222.
What about Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil’s critics? Malaysians remember that her family snared a RM250 million grant from the government for the National Feedlot Corporation project.
They also know of the expensive condominium purchases, luxury cars and how the venture failed miserably. She has critics from Perlis to Johor who think she should make way for younger leaders.
Shahrizat’s response? “They can go to hell.”
What about Datuk Azalina Othman’s critics? Malaysians remember the reports about corruption in the Tourism Ministry, the allegations that ended her once promising ascent in Malaysian politics.
Azalina is equally nonchalant about the negativity surrounding her offer to contest the top position in Wanita Umno.
She said: “My records are clean. If I am on-the-go now, winning the Pengerang seat even, that means I do not ‘owe’ the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) anything.
“What wrong did I do when I was the Youth and Sports Minister? What did I do? I had executed my tasks very well!”
