LAHAD DATU: Umno will remain strong in facing new challenges, including a new opposition party, if its members continue to remain united, said Sabah Wanita Umno leader Datuk Armani Mahiruddin yesterday.
Armani said the establishment of a new party led by former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal would not affect the people’s support for Umno, adding that every Umno member is responsible for protecting and maintaining the party’s prosperity and unity so that the party continues to be strong.
“All members, especially Wanita Umno, must remain loyal to the party and leadership as well as continue to support the party’s struggle for the sake of the future generation,” she said at a press conference after officiating the Silam Wanita Umno delegates’ meeting yesterday.
Earlier, Armani in her speech said she hoped that the leadership would give more opportunities for Wanita Umno members to contest in the next general election, describing Wanita as the backbone of the party that will always support and bring success to them.
She also pledged the full support of Wanita Umno Sabah to the party leadership led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and pledged to continue to work harder for the party.
Meanwhile, Silam Umno division head Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal vowed in his speech to remain loyal to Umno and to carry out the mandate that was given to him.
Yusof, who is the brother of Shafie, also urged Silam Umno members to remain united and to not be hypocritical in their struggle as the party only requires faithful members who have no personal interests in the struggle.
He also called on the leadership to give more opportunities for Umno Wanita members to be selected as candidates in the next general election as the wing has always worked hard for the party and never failed to support them.
Meanwhile, Silam Wanita Umno leader Mizma Appehdullah said in her welcoming speech that the movement will continue to strengthen education in Silam in order to provide a better future for their children.
Mizma also urged the government to lessen the burden of entrepreneurs in this area who face difficulties in obtaining their licenses, so they could start their business and build better lives for themselves.
She also pledged the unwavering support of Silam Wanita Umno to the party leadership and hoped for more leadership opportunities for Wanita Umno members in the future.
A total of 1,023 delegates from 394 branches, including 11 new branches from Lahad Datu, Kunak and Tungku, attended the meeting.