Haniza Talha, who is currently the Wanita deputy chief, said the allegations by those said to be in Rafizi Ramli’s camp were wild allegations with no proof to back up the claims. Rafizi is vying for the deputy presidency.
The Selangor state executive councillor also said, contrary to claims, the wing accomplished several achievements under Zuraida. This included ensuring 30% women at decision-making levels.
“She has also set the agenda for women in Malaysia and come up with a policy for women in Selangor,” Haniza told FMT.
While Haniza did not get into specifics, Zuraida, who is also the housing and local government minister, said last month that local government authorities were required to appoint women to make up at least 30% of their councillors.
The move, she explained, was in line with the government’s effort to empower women at the ministry and in local government authorities.
A candidate for the party’s Wanita deputy chief had blamed Zuraida for making the women’s wing ineffective.
Faezah Ariffin said PKR Wanita – which Zuraida has led since 2007 – was not functioning as it should and cautioned members against allowing Zuraida’s allies to continue leading the wing.
But Haniza, who is challenging Fuziah Salleh for the post, reminded members and the PKR leadership to campaign in a healthy manner even though there were differences in opinion.
“Be politically mature. Don’t resort to gutter politics.”