Puteri Umno urges stern action against chauvinist candidates

SHAH ALAM - Umno needs to take stern action against its members who are sexist and racist, says Puteri Umno chief Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan.

She said while the women's youth wing was working to assist the male candidates to win seats, the party must also bring forward a candidate that understood women's aspirations and well-acquainted with women empowerment.

“We want to win, but we will also be working to ensure the victory of the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates as well.

“However, the party must bring forward a candidate that understands women’s aspirations and is well-acquainted with women empowerment,” she said.

Speaking at the Puteri BN Convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) tdoay, Zahida said aside from those who were racist, the party also needed to be strict against those who liked to make fun of and disparage women.

“To them, we (Puteri) are very sensitive. "If even the whole of Malaysia is nauseated with people like them, the party could not expect us to defend them. Full stop. No way brother,” she said.

She added that male chauvinists who thought they were the god of everything should not be in the party. During the convention, she also spoke about the importance of women’s voices, especially young women in the party to give out opinions and organise forums.

“Even though our position might be different, our status will be the same and we (Puteri) do not want to be seen as a tool to strengthen men’s position.

“Especially by those who are ignorant,” she said.

The convention, she said was the pioneer to the forums that Puteri will organise on women’s aspiration and to strengthen the concept of women empowerment.