KUALA LUMPUR: The interest of the party transcends the interest of any individual, and this was the essence of Puteri Umno's machinery as it entered the final lap into the general election.
Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the movement has pledged its undivided support to strengthen the party and was willing to do away with any request for candidacy in the national polls.
The head of Umno's youngest wing urged members to remain vigilant in addressing the lies that are being spread by the opposition.
She also called upon the 389,149 Puteri Umno members nationwide to work hard and continue meeting voters on the ground.
"If some of us were not chosen as candidates, as the Puteri Umno chief, I will give my guarantee that Puteri Umno will not sulk.
"Puteri Umno will not put up a fight and we will not close down operation rooms.
"We will continue to work, work and work to make sure that victory is in the hands of Barisan Nasional," said Mas Ermieyati in her policy speech at the opening of the movement's assembly in Dewan Merdeka yesterday.
Puteri Umno fielded nine candidates in both state and federal levels in the last general election.
Mas Ermieyati said that while the movement placed its full confidence in the leadership's choice of candidates, it hoped that women and youths would continue to be considered, to become BN candidates.
"Puteri Umno continues to uphold its pledge and wala' (loyalty) towards the leadership and Umno to ensure victory for Barisan Nasional. That is why Puteri Umno is not demanding for any candidacy.
"We only hope that the selection of candidates will consider women and youths. Please choose the best among the party to make sure that BN wins a two-third majority in the general election,” she said
She said that the movement wanted those who were winnable, likeable, workable and capable, and supported the proposal to have direct candidates, which was mooted by Umno vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid.
She said that selection based on consensus among BN component parties was also the best practice to pick winnable candidates.
Mas Ermieyati said Puteri Umno was moving in tandem with the Jalinan Rakyat Plus with the other Umno wings, which involved its members to meet with voters.
"This will be one of the most significant battlegrounds in ensuring the survival of religion, race and nation. Our future is closely related to the results of the 14th general election. Don't be lulled. Think of this seriously,” she said to thunderous applause by the members.