Shahrizat calls it quits

PETALING JAYA: Outgoing Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has decided to quit politics.
The Umno veteran told reporters at the Putra World Trade Centre today that in politics, one must know when to leave.
"I have been around for a long time. I feel that for me, I must know when to leave. This is the time for me to leave to make way for younger, fresher faces," said Shahrizat who was present during polling for the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings.
She had announced recently that she would not defend the post, saying that it was clear that people wanted a change in the party.
The former federal minister was previously speculated to be fielded by Barisan Nasional for a comeback, with seats such as Sungai Besar and Bandar Tun Razak named as the possible choice.
Shahrizat was the first minister to lead the Ministry of Women Affairs and Family in 2001.
The ministry later changed its name to Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
Shahrizat was a three-term parliamentarian for the Lembah Pantai constituency before her unexpected loss to PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar in the 2008 General Election.
She was then appointed as women and social development affairs advisor to the prime minister.
Shahrizat again became Minister of Women, Family and Community Development after being appointed as a senator from April 9, 2009.
She stepped down as Women, Family and Community Development Minister when her term as senator ended on April 8, 2012 following the scandal involving the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) run by her husband and children.