Leadership Transition Between Rafidah And Shahrizat Reflects Party's Maturity, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Deputy Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has hailed the leadership transition plan between Wanita Umno Chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and her deputy Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, saying it reflects maturity and wisdom in the party.
He said the consensus would enable the movement to continue to be one of the party's pillars of strength.
"As a deputy president, I've given my endorsement to the transition process. I regard it as an orderly leadership move," he told reporters after closing the "Women with the leaders" conference organised by the movement Monday.
The deputy prime minister said he also paid tribute to Rafidah's contributions in the party and government.
"I also expressed my confidence that Shahrizat will be able to continue with Wanita Umno's excellent leadership tradition," he said.
Speaking at the event earlier today, Rafidah said she would hand over the post to Shahrizat at the latest by middle of next year.
Rafidah however said that she would be defending the post in party elections in December.
Najib said the leadership transition plan was an appropriate move in making sure that Umno's strength would remain intact.
"We want to safeguard the party's strength and at the same time prevent any split that can weaken the party," he said, adding that he hoped the plan would be well-received by party members.
"The Wanita Umno has come to a stage where members should choose between Rafidah and Shahrizat. Now that both leaders have now come to a consensus, I think many would agree that this should be the way forward," he said.
Najib said that from the reactions shown by those present today, he was of the opinion that the plan would be received by the movement's grassroots members.
He also said that Wanita Umno played an important role as the backbone of the party.
"I've told them of the important roles played by Wanita Umno... the party's machinery is depending on the movement and there are a lot of activities that we depend on Wanita Umno," he said.

tunku : looks like democracy is dead in umno. it will take time for it to rebirth in umno but will umno have time for the rebirth? i'm sure time is there, it's only that will umno remain in power when it's rebirth.the leaders now are setting the trend of transitions.that means there is no point of having contest anymore in umno. just ask the leaders to pick who ever they want.