KOTA KINABALU: The grassroots support for Sabah Wanita Umno Movement has grown stronger after last year’s December 12’s mass exodus of the party’s elected representatives and leaders in the State.
Its Chief, Datuk Dr Hajah Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmad Ayid, said now the Sabah Wanita Umno movement is on the right track.
“Leaders come and go and we respect the decision made by those former Sabah UMNO leaders who left the party and we wish them all the best. To us who are still in the party, as we have always said, we will continue the fight. God willing,” she said.
“We will strive to continue boosting the spirit of all our leaders and members who remain with us in our beloved party. We are thankful and grateful because many of Sabah UMNO leaders and members at the grassroots level, especially in the Wanita movement, are still loyal to the party struggles,” she said at the swearing-in of new leaders for the movement at the Sabah UMNO building here Wednesday.
Jainab, who is also Sepanggar Wanita UMNO Chief, said Sabah UMNO still have many loyal members who loved the party, adding that after they underwent a party clean-up following the Dec 12’s mass exodus, Sabah UMNO now is entering a phase where its members’ mental and fighting spirit are being tested.
She said the Sabah Wanita UMNO movement is also confident that under the leadership of new Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin the party and its members will continue to progress in the State.
“The Central UMNO leadership has given the autonomy power to Sabah UMNO to decide on the halatuju of its struggles which include fighting for the rights and interests of Bumiputeras in Sabah,” she stressed.
“To all UMNO Wanita members, let’s stand firm. UMNO still exist. This is the time we are tested whether we are truly the best ‘mother’ to our people. Because a noble and strong ‘mother’ will not leave her family during bad times,” she stressed.
Jainab also said that Sabah Wanita Umno will come and assist in the DUN Semenyih by-election campaigning in March if needed.
“We will bring the spirit of Cameron Highlands to Semenyih, we will spread the love and affection, sincerity of the party to the people there. We believe the rakyat has started to realise the Pakatan Harapan (PH) propaganda,” she said.
She also announced the new Sabah Wanita UMNO’s leadership line-up after a reshuffle. She will continue to lead the movement, together with Juriah Palasin (Putatan) as Vice Chief and Hajah Aminah Johan (Kinabatangan) as Assistant Secretary.
Among leaders who were appointed to new posts are Hajah Musliati Muslimin (Kota Kinabalu) as the Information Chief and Hajah Chaya Haji Sulaiman (Kalabakan), as Treasurer.
Twelve new faces who currently acting as Wanita division chiefs are Salmi Salim (Kota Marudu), Laisan Sain (Kota Belud), Hajah Lerie Duasa (Tuaran), Helini Asmat (Kimanis), Hajah Amuilin Junsin (Sipitang), Mastura Dol Suhaili (Ranau), Hajah Salbiah Suhaiden (Keningau), Sarimah Eting (Beluran), Suhana A. Tahir (Batu Sapi), Salbiah Haron (Sandakan), Siti Royani Rafaie (Silam) and Hajah Murni Mohd.Tahir (Tawau).
Jainab thanked Bung Moktar for appointing her as the Chairman of Welfare and Security Bureau.
“We are committed to safeguard the welfare and security of the people in need by focusing on kindness, empathy and well-being,” she said, adding the bureau will collaborate with non-government organisations and volunteers to achieve its objectives.-pr/BNN
