Barisan women candidates eager to make impact

ALOR STAR: The women candidates fielded by Barisan Nasional (BN) in four parliamentary constituencies in Kedah in the 15th general election (GE15) are determined to prove their mettle and wrest seats from the Opposition.

BN candidate for the Pendang parliamentary seat Datuk Suraya Yaacob, who is Kedah Umno information chief, said she wants to be the voice of the people in the “rice bowl state”, especially women.

The Sungai Tiang assemblywoman expressed hope voters in Pendang would accept having a woman as their MP.

“It is not easy for women to be fielded as candidates. So, when BN gets the chance to field women to contest in 30% of the 15 parliamentary seats in the state, voters should give it serious thought. Look at who the candidates are, not at the party they represent. Look at their ability and persistent efforts.”

A former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, who has been chosen for the Kuala Kedah seat, said she was willing to take up the challenge to ensure victory for BN.

“When I was informed that I will be fielded in Kuala Kedah, I did a little homework and drew up my own manifesto. I also went to meet some of the electorates there and they were very excited to have a woman leader, and to me, that is an early sign of victory for BN,” she said.

Meanwhile, BN candidate for the Sungai Petani parliamentary seat Datuk Shahanim Mohamad Yusoff said more women should be given the opportunity to be elected representatives in Kedah.

BN candidate for the Sik parliamentary seat Maizatulakmam Othman @ Ibrahim, who is Sik Umno Wanita chief, said more women should be given a chance to be elected representatives as they understand the needs of women.

“I need to work hard to win the votes of my electorates, 50% of whom are women. I have been with Umno for 20 years. I am confident party members will help me and BN will win.”