She said the decision was made after seeing that there were local figures with potential to be candidates in the constituency and she was very grateful for the invitation made by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos.

“I have made the decision and talked to Datuk Seri Jamal and the committee at the division level, and they have accepted my decision not to contest for the Sungai Besar seat.

“As Wanita chief, I can’t be selfish.

” When I went to the ground, I saw many local candidates there who can represent the party,” she said after attending the launch of the Barisan Nasional Wanita and Puteri election machinery at the Perak menteri besar’s residence, here, today.

On Feb 10, local newspapers reported that Jamal, who is Sungai Besar Umno division chief, was willing to give way to Shahrizat to contest in the Sungai Besar parliamentary constituency if she was given the mandate to contest by Umno president Najib Razak.

Meanwhile, in GOPENG, Shahrizat, who is also Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) board of trustees chairperson, handed over contributions from the foundation, in the form of daily necessities and cash, to 20 underprivileged recipients in Simpang Pulai.

One of the recipients, security guard N Jothi, 46, said the assistance he received would be used in the best possible way to support the needs of the family.

The father of three was grateful for the aid as he never received any form of assistance, apart from the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M).

“My salary as a security guard is barely enough. So I am grateful for any assistance to lessen my burden.”

Another recipient, senior citizen Fatimah Yeop Arif, 83, said she was deeply touched and grateful to receive the assistance from Shahrizat.