Source: The New Straits Times Online
KUALA LUMPUR, SUN:
by: Sharifah Nur Shahrizad Syed Mohamed Sharer, BERNAMA
Puteri Umno wing will continue to make its presence felt when the Umno General Assembly begins tomorrow.
It will contribute to the debate over efforts to strengthen the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno in ensuring a bigger victory in the election.
For Puteri Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad, the Puteri agenda will not deviate from the party’s political struggle but she has called on its members not to lose sight of the movement’s focus — to strengthen their resolve and integrity in the political struggle.
Admitting that Puteri’s voice was not as fiery as the other wings in the party, she said what was more important was substance.
“To me, we need to analyse our political definition and see who are our target, in our case, the young generation. That is why the concept of volunteerism, welfare and education are at the top of our agenda where we can guide the young generation.
“I see this as how we (Puteri) should engage in politics, the way we explain to the people what the Barisan Nasional (BN) government wants and through Puteri, we offer our services,” she told Bernama.
She said efforts to get closer to the young generation called for a big sacrifice.
“Puteri does not come out with programmes only when the general election draws near but all year round. This has been our political course, to woo the young generation so that eventually they will vote for BN.
“Although Puteri functions as an Umno political wing, its activities are not solely political in nature.”
She revealed she did not mind if Puteri was not seen as a political powerhouse but would want the people to reap the benefits of its services.
“We believe in the planning, implemention, study and improvement concept. It’s better to be quiet but full of substance,” she said.
On the Umno general assembly beginning tomorrow, Noraini, 40, who is ending her tenure as Puteri chief next year asked delegates not to indulge in character assassination.
“Always watch your manners. Strive for quality debate and don’t condemn individuals because next year is the party’s election.
“I don’t want this kind of things happening in Puteri. It is better that we focus on the topics at hand, what can we do to help the movement, the party and the new generation,” she said, adding that Puteri members contesting in the party election should refrain from underhand tactics.
She asked Puteri members to close ranks as the movement had already enlisted 320,000 members since its formation in 2001.
“I want them to focus on preparations for the next general election, and not the party election. If we deviate from what should be our focus now, we cannot do our work well,” she said.
Asked on her expectations of her successor, Noraini hoped she would not neglect the foundation of Puteri’s struggle.
“I believe my successor will have her own policy, but our struggle which was laid during Puteri’s formation, must continue,” she said.
Noraini who took over as Puteri chief from Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said in 2004 will have to vacate her post at the next party election due to the age factor.
“I’m still not satisfied with my accomplishments, but my time is up,” she said.
Noraini hoped the friendship with members nurtured during Puteri’s struggle would prevail although she would no longer be their leader.
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