Bibi Sharliza accepts candidate change, vows to support BN’s women agenda

SEREMBAN – Negeri Sembilan Wanita Umno chief Datuk Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid said she accepted Barisan Nasional’s (BN) decision not to field her again in the state election, stressing that party interests remain her priority.

She admitted she felt disappointed after being left out of the candidate list, but said her focus now was to help BN candidates secure victory and continue contributing beyond an elected position.

"When I was not selected as a candidate again, naturally there was some sadness because of the service we had given. But for me, the party remains my priority.

"We can still contribute even without holding a position and perhaps there will be greater opportunities in the future. Most importantly, although I am not contesting, I will help the candidates win," she told reporters after the launch of the BN Negeri Sembilan Women's Pledge at Wisma Umno Negeri Sembilan on Thursday.

Bibi said the pledge was part of BN's effort to translate its manifesto commitments for women into concrete action should the coalition form the next state government.

She said the initiative followed the launch of BN Negeri Sembilan’s manifesto, with the women's wing taking the lead in outlining its commitment towards addressing issues affecting women in the state.

"The aim is for us to be part of the government and help implement the responsibilities and commitments promised in the manifesto for women in Negeri Sembilan," she said.

For the upcoming election, BN is fielding three Wanita candidates across the 36 state seats.

They are S. Leza Md Yasin (Umno) for Pilah, Siti Nur Umaira Hasim (Umno) for Labu and Yap Siok Moy (MCA) for Rahang.

The number marks a slight change compared with the previous Negeri Sembilan state election in 2023, where BN fielded three of its women's wing candidates, including Bibi (Kuala Klawang), Junaidah Idrus (Sungai Lui) and Nicole Tan Lee Koon (Lobak).

Meanwhile, other coalitions are also fielding candidates from their respective women's wings in the upcoming contest, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) among those seeking to increase women's representation in the state assembly.

Bibi acknowledged that the number of women candidates remained below the commonly discussed 30 per cent representation target, but said candidate selection involved various considerations including experience, suitability and the needs of each constituency.

She said BN had introduced younger representation through Siti Nur Umaira, while also placing women candidates in different settings, including rural and urban constituencies.

"Yes, it is not enough if we look purely at the numbers. But leadership has evaluated not only the role as an elected representative, but also the possibility of women contributing in other positions within the government," she said.

On BN's cooperation with other opposition parties and differences between their respective manifestos, Bibi said Wanita BN would continue focusing on its own commitments.

"Each has its own struggle. Our focus is on BN's manifesto because we want to ensure the commitments made to women are not wasted," she said.

She expressed confidence that BN's experience in government would help ensure its promises could be implemented effectively.

She pointed to the previous administration's establishment of the women and family portfolio, as well as the appointment of women leaders to key government positions, as examples of BN's commitment towards women's involvement in leadership.

On the recent release of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report involving Lembaga Tabung Haji, Bibi urged all parties to avoid using the issue as a political tool during the election period.

"I do not want to comment on Tabung Haji because the election is very close. What I want to say is, stop spreading accusations.

"We want to win in a good, respectful and dignified manner. Every party has its own voice, but it should not be used to spread allegations. After the election, the matter can be discussed and brought to Parliament," she said.