Puteri will demand nothing, says leader

KUALA LUMPUR: Puteri Umno will refrain from asking the party leadership to field its members as the face of Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election.

Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the movement had pledged its all in strengthening the party and would be more than willing to make sacrifices in the general election.

Mas Ermieyati said the youngest Umno wing would always put the interest of the party ahead of everything else, and its members understood that this transcended the interests of individuals.

Mas Ermieyati said Puteri Umno members had been going to the ground with the constant reminder that GE14 was a fight for survival, not only for the party and ruling coalition, but for religion, race and country.

During her speech at the opening of the wing’s assembly yesterday, she reminded the 389,149 Puteri Umno members nationwide to work hard and continue meeting voters.

She said as the wing’s machinery prepared to enter the final lap before the general election was called, its members would also go into high gear in countering lies spread by the opposition.

“Puteri Umno continues to uphold its pledge and wala (loyalty) towards the leadership and Umno to ensure victory for BN. That is why Puteri Umno is not demanding candidacies for its members.

“We only hope that women and youths will be considered in the selection of candidates.

“Please choose the best to make sure that BN wins a twothirds majority in the general election.

“Puteri Umno will work, work and work to make sure that victory is in the hands of BN,” said Mas Ermieyati.

Nine candidates from Puteri Umno were fielded at various state and parliamentary seats in the last election.

She said the movement expected those fielded as candidates to be likeable, hardworking and capable.

The wing also supported the proposal to have direct candidates, as mooted by Umno vicepresident Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

She said selection based on consensus among BN component parties had proven to be the best practice in picking winnable candidates.

Mas Ermieyati also said Puteri Umno was moving in tandem with the other Umno wings in Jalinan Rakyat Plus, which its members were involved with meeting voters.

“Our future is hinged on results of the 14th General Election. Don’t be lulled. Think about this seriously,” she said.