KUALA LUMPUR: A deal has been struck that will see a smooth power transition of the Wanita Umno chief's post with Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz announcing that she will step down by mid-2009 and hand over the leadership to her deputy Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

She hoped that with the transition plan, there would be no contest for the movement's top two posts this year.

"I will give up my post as Wanita chief latest by mid-2009 and hand it over to my deputy," she said at the opening of Wanita Umno meeting with the top leaders at PWTC here yesterday and said

"Wanita Umno members must give undivided support to the chief and the deputy chief. Some people may question why I'm not following the transition power plan between the party president and his deputy scheduled for 2010. That is the transition plan involving the Prime Minister.

"I am just handing over the post of Wanita chief. I have no power. I have no post in Cabinet. I would like to appeal to Wanita Umno at the division level to accept this proposal."

She said the proposal needed the consensus of Wanita Umno divisions to be successful.

"This is to avoid a split and ensure a smooth change of leadership."

Later, Rafidah elaborated saying that: "What I'm proposing is a formula whereby Shahrizat and I will win uncontested during party polls this December. Then, latest by June Shahrizat will take over my post. And when she takes over Wanita will be united.

"When I took over, I was faced with a divided Wanita. It took years to build the ranks. Shahrizat will receive Wanita that is unified."

She said she made the decision two weeks ago when she was recuperating from a knee surgery.

Asked if there was a need for Wanita leadership to discuss the proposal, she:

"No need. No need. That's enough. That is my decision."

She said she raised the matter during Wanita exco meeting and there had been good support.

In the event of challenges from a third party, she said : "I'm not going to contest. But we are saying no contest for chief and deputy chief posts. This is my formula, as agreed by Jat (Sharizat)."

Shahrizat said she thanked Rafidah for the trust given to her to take over the post.

"The president has advised me that it's best that I accept the offer for the sake of the unity and continuity. I listen to my chief and I believe that the grassroots will also listen to the party president's advice."

She said she hoped that Wanita exco and grassroots members would accept the president's advice.

"I will not go against the party president's advice. We are confident that Wanita will also heed his advice."

Party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Wanita Umno it was important to be united in the matter.

"This is important to ensure that the movement remains strong and can carry out its duties and responsibilities in facing challenges."

He said he was surprised when Rafidah made the announcement but he was relieved that Shahrizat accepted the proposal.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was at the meeting, said the plan "reflects maturity and wisdom in the party."

"I've given my endorsement to the transition process. I regard it as an orderly leadership move," he told reporters.