KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Umno Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin can walk tall after retaining their positions in the party elections on Saturday despite a bitter contest involving perceptions and philosophies.

Their victories were seen as endorsements from the grassroots for their leadership capabilities and the path the movements have taken thus far.

It is a clear signal that Wanita and Youth members are supporting party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s transformation programme where liberalism, moderation and inclusiveness are the three main elements for a united Malaysian society.

The movements’ members have approved Najib’s work by returning the incumbents who have been with him since 2009 to power.

Disrupting Najib’s plan midway could produce disastrous results.

The trend may continue next week in the supreme council election, where there will be a six-cornered fight for the three vice-president’s posts and 64 aspirants for the 25 supreme council posts.

If the Wanita and Youth results are to be taken per se, the three incumbent vice-presidents are likely to retain their positions.

Shahrizat, as the result shows, is well-entrenched in the Wanita movement where members not only endorse her leadership qualities but are not swayed by perceptions thrown at her.

Khairy’s liberal and inclusive concepts are accepted by members who feel it is time for them to play a bigger role in Malaysian politics.

After fending off allegations of money politics in 2009, when he defeated former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Khairy now has the support of the movement’s members who returned him to position with a higher majority.

This means they acknowledge his leadership qualities and programmes.

Khairy’s concept of Umno Youth is not just for Umno and Malays but to youths of all races.

Next week, Malaysians will know whether Umno delegates want moderation and inclusiveness by returning the incumbent vice-presidents to blend the party struggles with the Malay agenda.