It's on: Noraini files to defend Wanita Umno top post against 'mum' Shahrizat

PETALING JAYA: Incumbent Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad will defend her post against Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil in the ongoing party polls.

Noraini, the Parit Sulong MP, filed the papers for her candidacy at party headquarters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur at about 10am on Friday (Feb 24).

Noraini said it was not a case of going up against her mentor Shahrizat, the only other contender for the post, but more of a "friendly mother-daughter contest".

ALSO READ: Dira all set to contest Puteri Umno chief post

"I may not be loud but I have proven I (can deliver) results that matter.

"Umno is not a mere political party, it is a force that is watched by everyone in the country, not only by its members.

"Everyone is looking at the Umno polls as the party matters in the country's political landscape.

"Who we choose to lead the party matters. Let's choose wisely," said Noraini.

In what is already seen as the most crowded party polls yet, Noraini will be going head-to-head against the very person who hand-picked her for the post in 2018.

Shahrizat, a former Wanita Umno chief and minister, stepped down after the 14th General Election and is attempting a political comeback this year.

ALSO READ:I will defend Umno V-P post, says Mahdzir

The nomination period closes on Feb 26.

Umno is in the midst of elections for its 191 divisions and 22,000 branches, including divisions that were suspended.

The party’s new office bearers will be elected from Feb 1 to March 18, but the top two positions of president and deputy president will not be contested this time around.

In May last year, Umno amended its constitution to allow party polls to be held within six months after the conclusion of the 15th General Election.

Umno had postponed its party polls for 18 months after the 2018/2021 term ended on June 30, 2021, which meant elections for the 2021/2023 term should have been held before Dec 30 last year.

However, the polls were postponed.