‘Ex-Puteri can still assist party’

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called upon former Puteri Umno members to continue assisting the party.

Zahid, who is also Umno vicepresident, said the experiences that former wing members had gained while in the party’s wing could be used to contribute further.

“Proactive contributions can still be made. Your popularity can still be felt by the members and those on the ground.

“Put aside any ill feelings because the spirit of Umno is still very much alive,” he said at the wing’s Pink Reunion high tea at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

Present were Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and former Puteri Umno chiefs, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

Zahid urged wing members to persuade their former comrades who have “jumped ship” to rejoin Umno.

Puteri Umno members, he added, should not distance themselves, but should use the soft approach.

“I know there are some of our friends who have gone to the other side, maybe even persuaded by someone.

“Use your intelligence and be gentle in beckoning them back to the party.”

Zahid also said Puteri members must be at the frontline in helping the party as the main machinery in every general election.

On the general election, Zahid said party members did not have to hold positions in Umno to be made a candidate.

“If you are a likeable and winnable candidate, and you can assimilate with the people, you can be made a candidate even though you do not hold any position.

“Just make sure to continue your hard work,” he said.