WANITA: Shahrizat's win creates history
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A LITTLE-KNOWN jinx was broken yesterday when Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil cruised to victory in the race for Wanita Umno's top post.
She became the first Wanita chief incumbent in 41 years to successfully defend her post against a challenger.
The so-called "Wanita chief curse" had existed since 1972, with Tun Fatimah Hashim's loss to Tan Sri Aishah Ghani.
Since then, none of the wing's heads had managed to face off challenges to their leadership -- not even the "Iron Lady" herself, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, who lost in 2009 to Shahrizat after two decades at the helm (with a break of term in between).
Shahrizat's leadership of the women's movement has not been without controversy, but as always, the former Cabinet minister appeared impervious to any obstacles in her path.
Before her victory was made official, Shahrizat arrived at Putra World Trade Centre at 10.30pm yesterday, looking radiant as she held hands with her husband, surrounded by her children and other supporters.
"It has been a tough fight and I would like to thank all Wanita members, especially those in the grassroots, who had stood by me throughout the difficult times I have been through.
"In turn, I want to be a role model for women to be strong, especially in Malaysia where women face many challenges."
Shahrizat had withstood two spirited challengers in former senator and Wanita executive council member Datuk Maznah Mazlan and Kulim Bandar Baru member Raihan Suleiman Palestin.
Maznah, who is also Muadzam Shah assemblyman, had been expected to be a strong opponent owing to her long experience and seniority within the party.
Her surprise entry at the tail-end of nominations on Sept 21 had also renewed interest in the race after another potential candidate, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, withdrew earlier.
Last night, however, Maznah appeared to have lost the contest meekly. As early as 7.30pm, she had only captured just one division, while Shahrizat was already leading by 24 votes.
Shahrizat, meanwhile, proved her dissenters wrong, running a smart and tactical campaign that appealed to grassroots members while downplaying her past troubles.
According to party insiders, she appeared the very image of the ideal women's leader in a friendly message sent to Wanita division heads the night before delegates went to the polls.
In her message, she said she had spent the day with her mother and had cooked a meal for her family, expressing how much she missed time in the kitchen because she needed to fulfil her duties to the party. She also prayed for Wanita Umno's future.
The past two years have not been easy for Shahrizat, but her resilience is a testament to her skill as a politician. Not even a 41-year-old jinx can compete with that.
Elsewhere, the contest for the Wanita vice-chief post saw Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun on course to beat Datuk Suraya Yaacob at press time.
In Pahang, former Wanita chief Datuk Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman made a small comeback, capturing the Paya Besar Wanita chief post in a three-cornered fight.
Read more: WANITA: Shahrizat's win creates history - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/wanita-shahrizat-s-win-creates-history-1.374837#ixzz2hbpXr5Ic
