Maznah Maslan, who is vying for the post of Wanita Umno head in the upcoming party polls, has denied she is acting as proxy for the former head Rafidah Aziz in the three-corner fight.

She decided to contest at the very last minute during nominations on Saturday, she said, without consulting anyone.

“I hope I can be given a little bit of respect that I am able to think and make decisions,” she told a press conference today.

Maznah, the former deputy human resources minister from Pahang, claimed that she had informed several key personnel via text message - including Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob - about her decision.

NONE However, Rafidah (left) was not among them.

“Until today, I have not enough time to send a SMS to inform Rafidah (of my decision to contest), but I think she has come to know about via the media,” said Maznah.

Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who defeated Rafidah for the post in 2009, is defending the post against Maznah andRaihan Sulaiman this time around.

Maznah joined Umno in 1973 and has held the posts of Wanita Umno exco member and Rompin Umno division Wanita deputy chief.

Asked what advantages she has over her rivals, she expressed the belief that will have grassroots support as she has been working very hard on the ground.

Labelling herself as the “alternative choice” in the contest, she refused to comment when asked if  she sees herself as the underdog.       

She would only say that she will work on unity within the wing and improve its image, if elected.