[In the nature of things,] corrupt women are for corrupt men, and corrupt men, for corrupt women – just as good women are for good men, and good men for good women. [Since God is aware that] these are innocent of all that evil tongues may impute to them, forgiveness of sins shall be theirs, and a most excellent sustenance!

AN-NUR (26)

WANITA UMNO

(THE STAR 25 March 2008)

… To remain credible Wanita UMNO must shed off outdated attitudes. The herd mentality which breeds false loyalties must be replaced by a new front that is intelligent, informed and articulate. Loyalty is well and good, but it should not be borne out of jealousies and vindictiveness – negative traits often associated with the female gender.

If the leadership of Wanita UMNO is truly sincere in fighting for the Malay cause it must disband internal groupings which are destroying the movement.

It must offer sound, solid and substantive backing to UMNO and BN in Malaysia’s new era of political development. It must be an effective agent of change to lift UMNO and Malay women up to a higher level of achievement.

(UTUSAN MALAYSIA 8 Ogos 2008)

…Memang sudah tiba masanya Wanita UMNO menukar imej dan hala tuju supaya diberi peranan yang lebih substantif dalam UMNO. Persepsi bahawa wanita terdiri daripada golongan “mak cik” dan “nenek” harus diubah dengan barisan pemimpin yang berkebolehan membawa wanita Melayu ke tahap pemikiran dan pencapaian yang lebih tinggi.

Wanita UMNO harus menonjolkan diri sebagai barisan ahli UMNO yang bukan hanya mengikut cita rasa dan aliran pemikiran pemimpin lelaki atau pemuda tetapi mempunyai pendirian sendiri. Wanita UMNO harus muncul sebagai barisan “mak cik” yang berfikiran bijak dan matang yang boleh mempengaruhi keluarga UMNO yang besar. Dengan menunjukkan pendirian yang tegas dan integriti yang tidak berbelah bagi, Wanita UMNO boleh memulihkan imej parti yang sedang menghadapi masalah kredibiliti…

HALIMAH MOHD SAID