Published on: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 |
Wanita Umno Chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz advised younger members of the movement not to be too engrossed in gaining power and posts.
Instead, she said, all members must equally shoulder the burden and responsibilities as these had become increasingly heavy and diverse. "I am asking the young generation to change semantics and words like 'inheriting power', 'second echelon leaders' and 'taking over posts' to 'inheriting and taking over work and responsibilities'.
"This is because the posts are limited, so not everyone can dream about having power and high positions," she said in her policy speech before some 800 Wanita delegates at the movement's assembly, here, Tuesday.
Rafidah, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said it was not easy to continue the work and struggles of the earlier leaders and members as they had often functioned like "a candle that burns itself to brighten the lives of others".
"They struggled for the party's cause without having any personal interest.
Their vision was the vision of the community and country." Rafidah also reminded the movement's members not to indulge in 'political chess' as to who would be the candidates for the next general election. Instead, she said, they must focus their energy and work to help the party and Barisan Nasional (BN) win big so that the national agenda and Malay agenda could continue to be pursued.
"For the moment, let's not play 'political chess' as the individuals are not important. Let the leadership decide on the candidates. If God has ordained it, then that person will be the candidate. Everything is destined by The Almighty."
She said Wanita members must also not be preoccupied with enquiring about the date of the general election, but instead ensure that all preparations for the election were tip-top.
"Indeed Umno is increasingly expected not only to champion and safeguard the lot of the Malays, but also the lot of the other races in the country. The Prime Minister, although the President of Umno, is the Pemier and national leader for all Malaysians. So is his government's administration.
"Alhamdulillah, the people have all along accepted Umno leaders as their leaders and the ability of the past and present Umno leaders to look after the interests of all citizens has ensured that Umno is accepted by all and that the party is relevant.
"Consequently, the task of the present Umno leaders is to be together with the other BN leaders in balancing the interests of the races with the interests of the society at large and the nation."
Rafidah said the task was indeed difficult, but with understanding, cooperation and realisation, rifts were thwarted and problems amicably resolved.
The Wanita chief also asked the members to help ensure that the openness of the country's multi-racial leaders would not be used by any quarter to adversely affect the society and nation's interests.
"There are those who have misused this openness, with chauvinism and rifts emerging. Democracy and individual rights, in the context, should not adversely impact more people.
"Small groups should not be allowed to jeopardise the interests of the majority by disrupting stability, unity and understanding among the multi-racial population," she said.
Wanita Umno, said Rafidah, did not want democracy to be misunderstood and misused by arousing negative sentiments that could threaten stability.
She also stressed that Umno would remain relevant and needed, although questions had been raised based on its internal problems and different ways of doing things now.
"It should be emphasised and reminded that Umno has contributed a lot to the Malays, the people at large and the country. Past and present leaders, without thinking of themselves, have brought the Malays, citizens and nation to a level that all could be proud of.
"This fact cannot be denied. It has been carved in history. God willing, as long as Umno functions as the protector of the Malays and Malaysians, as well as the pillar of the Government, the party will remain relevant."
However, she said, Umno that functioned in an ever-changing environment must be able to strengthen the country's position globally and to provide leadership in the economic and political arenas at the regional and international levels.
"Umno cannot only direct its attention internally, but to see how developments in the world could impact the people of this country."
Overall, Rafidah said, the country's leadership with Umno as the pillar had brought the people and Malaysia an enviable level of success.
"Everyone, regardless of race and religion, have rights and places as Malaysian citizens. And these will be better protected if all races as 'Bangsa Malaysia' continue to give their support and mandate to the BN Government to pursue the national agenda and national mission that have already been accepted by all," she said.
In today's changing environment, Rafidah said, women, as part of human capital, must continue to be given the opportunity to pursue knowledge, education and skills.
"The people should not worry when there are more female than male students in the higher learning institutions and excel in their studies as well.
"The country cannot afford to discriminate against intelligence and capabilities. If many women qualify, they must not be prevented to succeed or sidelined solely out of the fear of seeing more women than men with degrees.
"It's not the fault of women if many men dropped out of education or are less successful," she said.
With regard to the Government's concern for climate change, Rafidah called on women to initiate campaigns and other efforts to create public awareness on the importance of environmental protection and conservation which could start within their own families.
"Without making it part of the school curriculum, environmental awareness could still be inculcated in the young generation, for instance, by teaching them to care for their home and school surroundings first," she said. - Bernama
