Najib Tun Razak said the decision by Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to step down as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development is appropriate and correct.      

The Prime Minister said the resignation was perceived as a sacrifice in the interest of the government and party.     

nfc office story"Although there is no proof so far that she had committed any offence in terms of law, because the NFC issue has drawn controversy and dispute, she was willing to withdraw from the government," he told reporters before attending a 'tahlil' prayer for the late Abdul Razak at Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Pekan, today.      

Shahrizat, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, announced her withdrawal as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development when her tenure as senator expires on April 8.     

However, Shahrizat said she would remain as Wanita Umno head and Barisan Nasional (BN) Wanita head.   

When asked of her status in the party, the Prime Minister said her position in the party was not an issue because it was different from her post in the cabinet.    

"This is because with regard to the NFC case, the debate was her position as a minister in the cabinet," he said.    

Najib also urged party members, especially Wanita Umno members, to continue supporting Shahrizat as the head of the Wanita movement.  

"Give her the support and cooperation because she (Shahrizat) has given her commitment to lead Wanita Umno and turn the movement into an important machinery for the general election," he said.    

Asked of her replacement in the cabinet, Najib said the matter would be decided later since Shahrizat had a few more weeks before vacating her seat.

Umno chorus of support

Meanwhile Umno leaders welcomed Shahrizat’s decision to relinquish her ministerial post.     
Vice-president Mohd Shafie Apdal said the move was timely to protect the interest of the party and Barisan Nasional (BN).     

"We appreciate the decision made by Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. It's a timely decision. It has nothing to do with whether she is guilty or not; she is doing it for the sake of the government and party," he said when contacted.     

Mohd Shafie also called on women not to be disheartened by the decision, saying that the government was committed to taking care of the interest of women and recognising their role in the country's development.     

"It doesn't mean that they would be sidelined if they have no representation in the cabinet. I'm confident that the prime minister will always appreciate and recognise the struggles of women in the country," he said.     

Information chief Ahmad Maslan said the decision was a sacrifice on the part of Shahrizat. 

Umno vice-president, Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, has also welcomed the decision made by Shahrizat.     

"I believe this is not an easy decision to make," he said in a text message to Bernama.    

He added that he would continue assisting Shahrizat in her duties as Wanita Umno chief.     

- Bernama