Shahrizat cracks up conference delegates in India with witty speech

It took less than eight minutes for Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to crack up delegates at a conference in India's capital here with spontaneous remarks during a candid speech.

The former cabinet minister was among more than 10 speakers at the 125th Anniversary commemoration on "Nehru's Worldview and His Legacy: Democracy, Inclusion and Empowerment", and delegates were already weary by the time Shahrizat took to stage.

"After a fabulous lunch and not less than 10 speakers, it's like making babies - it's easy to make, but believe me it's very hard to deliver them. So, have mercy on me, sir," she told the session's chairman, which drew laughter from delegates.

With the ice broken, she when on to say, "However, I have to warn you that my name is Shahrizat, which is the Malay version of the Persian name Sha-ha-ra-zat. Those of you who don't know Shah-ha-ra-zat, he could spin a story for 1,001 nights. So, you're not going home early."

With the delegates' attention captured, Shahrizat then touched on India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru and his immense contribution to the world, including empowering women.

"I discovered that Mr Nehru was keen that women play their part as equal citizens in nation-building. Unlike the west, women in India got the right to vote at the same time as men.

"Similarly, Malaysian women were also as blessed as the country's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had said that, 'before we fight for the independence of the nation, we must fight for the independence of our women.'

"True to the spirit of Nehru, women in Malaysia are already breaking the glass ceiling in various sectors.

"Women are also smart partners of the men in developing the nation, as is happening in India. We in Malaysia practise inclusive democracy which is empowering, especially for the youth and women," she said, which got her a standing ovation from women delegates present.

Rahul Gandhi, Indian National Congress party vice-president, praised Shahrizat for her speech.
"I saw the women giving you a standing ovation. I hope you get much support in everything. If they don't, you can come here," he said in jest.

At the end of the session, the delegates took turns to praise her. One delegate came up and said, "You helped to wake us up. Your speech was so refreshing."

Another delegate went a step further by saying, "I am going to invite you to my next election rally."