Azalina backs down from Umno Wanita chief race
(MMO) – News reports claimed Najib would still want to maintain good relations with the tough Wanita leader and her decision to allow Shahrizat to defend her post without contest will see her offered the chance to lead a GLC.
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, the woman touted as Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abd Jalil’s strongest contender, has been “advised” to stay out of the Wanita Umno chief race, several news reports said today.
The about-turn, which will likely raise eyebrows, comes following a discussion among the ruling party’s top leaders who were reportedly concerned that the contest would affect unity in the wing.
Quoting a source close to the former minister, news portal The Malaysian Insider said that Azalina’s sudden decision came “after she was advised to do so” while English daily The Star, citing an insider from her campaign team, reported that the move came after a discussion with top party leaders.
“Sources said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had also advised Azalina to reconsider her decision to take on Shahrizat. There was concern that the contest may unsettle the wing, which is seen as the backbone of Umno,” the newspaper said.
The Star further reported that Azalina would instead gun for a Umno supreme council post while the online news portal said her backing down from the race would secure her a senior post in the Wanita Umno wing and a leadership role in a government-linked company.
“She loves Umno. She is a party loyalist who listens to the party leadership. She is a fighter and ready to go for it but she wants to respect the advice they give her,” The Star quoted the source as saying.
In a text message to The Malay Mail Online today, Azalina did not confirm the news reports but only said that an official statement on the matter will be made on September 20, a day before nominations open for posts in the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings.
Azalina was the founding leader of Puteri Umno and is the incumbent Umno supreme council member elected from 2004 to 2009. She was appointed to sit in the highest decision making body of the party by then Prime Minister and former Umno president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
News reports claimed Najib would still want to maintain good relations with the tough Wanita leader and her decision to allow Shahrizat to defend her post without contest will see her offered the chance to lead a GLC.
