KUALA LUMPUR: A Wanita division head claims Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad prefers to appoint men, instead of women, to top government posts despite her position as Umno Wanita chief.
Kota Melaka Umno Wanita chief Datuk Haryaty Hamdzah said this could be seen in the appointment of Kuala Nerus Umno chief Apli Yusoff as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) last year.
"She is seen to be more supportive of Umno division chiefs as seen in the appointment of the PTPTN chairman. She could have just appointed one of Umno Wanita exco members.
"If she is not helpful while holding an important position, imagine if she has none at all," Haryaty told BH today.
Haryaty is also adamant that more than half of the 191 Umno Wanita leaders nationwide have shored up support for Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to be re-elected as their national chief.
She said Noraini had received "a signal" coming from a potential challenger in Shahrizat.
"I am confident Shahrizat will be back and that Noraini has received a 'signal' of a potential challenger. We will see if anyone will offer themselves to contest for the post.
"Shahrizat has more experience when it comes to leading the wing," Haryaty said.
On Sunday, Barisan Nasional Wanita communications director Datuk Rosni Zahari said, on the contrary, the rumour of 147 Wanita Umno division chiefs who wanted Shahrizat to return to power as untrue.
Rosni said the rumour had caused trouble to the harmony within the wing.
"I read the statement dated Feb 3, made by Kota Melaka Umno Wanita head (Haryaty) that 147 Wanita Umno division chiefs support Shahrizat as the wing's chief.
"I, as someone senior in the Wanita exco, have done my investigation and research into the claim, and found it to be totally untrue".
Registration of candidates to contest for Umno central positions would take place between Feb 13 and 26.