Puteri chief makes emotional speech

Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin

IT was a fiery speech from Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and at times emotional.

She touched on a wide range of subjects, ranging from seeking at least 30% of young candidates to be fielded in the next general election to objections against foreign interference in Malaysia.

Mas Ermieyati said young candidates should contest in areas with a high concentration of youngsters.

“A study showed that the choice of candidates contribute to a 60% chance of winning an election. Young candidates who will carry the party’s name must be likeable and credible.

“This way, we not only make the party youthful but send a clear message that we are in tune with the aspirations of the youth,” she said in her policy speech at the Puteri Umno assembly here.

She reminded Puteri members to work hard to ensure the party wins the next election.

“I must remind myself and members that there is no rest after this. We have a big responsibility today.

“We can’t goyang kaki (be idle) or take selfies anymore. We must be ready to mobilise the election machinery and ensure our Puteri’s election special unit starts work,” she added.

She also spoke against foreign interference in the country’s direction, slamming those who worked with George Soros.

“The country’s sovereignty is something we shouldn’t compromise on. Whoever works with Soros to bring down the country should be considered a traitor even though at one time they might have contributed to the country, “ she said.

She said foreign agents could interfere in the country’s affairs via different mechanisms.

“In today’s world, people can bring down a country under the name of democracy,” she added.

Mas Ermieyati became teary-eyed when she talked about the situation in Semporna following the suspension of Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who was then the Semporna Umno division chief.

She spoke of how a Puteri leader was alleged to have quit the party to follow Mohd Shafie. However, she said the Puteri leader has instead pledged her loyalty to Umno.