The Malay race is at dangerous crossroads - politically, economically and socially - and it is time to acknowledge this as a fact, said Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil

"In politics we have allowed ourselves to be fragmented by opposition parties. It is so easy for the Malay race to be swayed by sweet talk and false promises, to the point that we are willing to gamble away our faith, race and country," she said.

"We were silent when we were challenged and we turned blind when we were attacked... the spirit which was for unity, is now drawn towards dissidence and destruction."

Shahrizat ( left ), in a hard-hitting speech today, said the nation's political landscape has changed. As such, Umno cannot remain "nostalgic over past achievements without making inroads for future development".

"Therefore, let's move forward with the party president to encourage a Malay race that is disciplined, visionary, innovative, creative, progressive and dynamic and has the capacity to ensure a big win for Umno and Barisan Nasional in the general election.

Wanita Umno's general assembly began this morning. The agenda includes debate on proposed amendments to the party constitution to be tabled at the special general assembly tomorrow.

Shattering the 'glass ceiling'

Sharizat also stressed the need for more women to participate in Umno, in particular in the male-dominated supreme council.

Between them, the Wanita and Puteri wings have 1.68 million members who make up about 48 percent of the party's membership.

"However, we only have six representatives, or only 11.4 percent, in the supreme council," she told some 795 women delegates.

The existence of a 'glass ceiling' and the perception that women are just home-makers are among factors that have prevented them from holding high-ranking positions in the party, she said.

"Considering this, I will ensure that we will continue to fight for at least 30 percent participation of women.

"God willing there will be changes in the structure of Umno if the proposal is accepted to the amend the constitution (to allow) women (to) be mainstreamed and institutionalised in the central committee," she added.

In an immediate response, supreme council member Saifuddin Abdullah said increasing Wanita participation in decision-making roles has been discussed over the years.

"I think the time is right for Umno to make (major) changes by placing more Wanita members in decision-making positions. I support Sharizat's call that Umno must be more inclusive," he said on the sidelines of the meeting held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.