'We must resurrect, re-energise,' says Shahrizat as race for Wanita top seat heats up
KOUSALYA SELVAM04 Mar 2023 03:00pm
Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
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This is what Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil would tell Wanita Umno if she wins the top seat in the wing on March 11.
She said the Wanita wing must be ready to lead again through innovation and by staying relevant in the new political landscape.
The outspoken former Umno leader also brings with her a fresh perspective after going on sabbitical for five years. Despite the party hitting rock bottom in the 15th general elections after winning only 30 seats out of the 178 it contested, she said the party remains the biggest political organisation in the country.
She said there are 1.3 million women members in Wanita Umno with 23,000 branches when she left the seat in 2018 to incumbent Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.
"We must resurrect, re-energise, give Wanita Umno new tools and skills because the political landscape has changed.”
"We cannot remain static. We have to be out there to face the challenges of today, to be with the people. We need to be responsive to their needs, and come out with innovative ideas. We must put a spot light on women issues...”
"We must be the people’s champion," she told Sinar Daily.
For women political leaders, she said it was crucial to be prepared – have focus, have a vision, mission and a strong voice – because “it can be quite intimidating being the only one sitting at the table of men."
She added, “based on my experience, if you have a good case to put forward, they will listen to you. You must always come prepared at the table."
One way Shahrizat prepares herself is by going to the ground and arming herself with information and different viewpoints.
"What you need or want you get it from the ground. That's why I work closely with NGOs and civil societies–I like to surround myself with experts on various subject matters so that I’m able to make an informed decision, " she added.
For instance, she would speak to doctors and medical practitioners to seek advice and inputs on issues relating to women’s health.
"I enjoyed working with National Council of Women's Organisation Malaysia (NCWO), with the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality, and various other NGOs. My door was always open and we, as the government, consulted them; they would give us feedback and I would ask them for the best solutions," she added.
"I don't like to be an armchair leader because you cannot feel the pulse of the nation. You have got to be out there, and only then will you understand your stakeholders.
"They have a better idea of what's happening," she added.
