SUBANG JAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday advised Wanita Umno members to settle their differences to ensure they remain strong.

He said the planned change of leadership in June between chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and her deputy Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was causing a split.

"One group wants to see the transition plan through, while the other wants to speed things up.

"With two opposing views, Wanita must find a solution," he said after launching the 1st Asia Pacific Regional Water Conference here.

Najib encouraged both groups to reach common ground through discussion.
"If that fails, it is up to both sides to decide (on their next course of action).

"My advice is whatever decision is taken, they must ensure it does not compromise their ability to strengthen the party."

On another issue, Najib who is also finance minister, assured that "it should be all right" for both he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to be out of the country at the same time.

While acknowledging that the situation was "unusual", he noted that Malaysia could afford to have its premier and his deputy away at the same time as it was "a mark of a country that was stable".

"The situation is a bit unusual, but it is also unavoidable at this time because I have to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting.

"We will be closely communicating with our people here and if anything happens, we will issue instructions... I think it will be all right."

Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang had raised this question at a press conference two days ago.

On the Apec meeting, Najib said it would focus on the global financial crisis and how Apec nations could act collectively to soften the impact of the crisis and restore economic stability in the region.

Other issues that would be covered at the meeting included food security and the environment, he said.

Abdullah is in Uzbekistan for a four-day official visit, while Najib left for Lima, Peru, last night to attend the 16th Apec Economic Leaders Meeting, which is scheduled for tomorrow.

The prime minister is expected to be back on Nov 21, while Najib is scheduled to return early next month.