Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman is considered a promising young Malaysian who may become top leader of the country one day. Unfortunately, there are now very serious allegations made against her publicly by a tabloid, Perdana Sari .

The motive is, to me, political, and probably originated from within the party. Will Azalina become another victim of Umno's incessant, mean and base power struggles?

Whether Azalina wishes to respond to the lesbian allegation should be entirely her choice. There is nothing to prove or disprove lesbianism in modern law of evidence. In fact, if she so chooses, she could sue the publisher and the responsible editor of Perdana Sari for personal libel or defamation.

However, that was only the legalistic consideration. Politically, Azalina has to see to it that public opinion on the ground does not turn against her and Umno. Azalina has, in particular, to guard against intra-party enemies who may be jealous of her rise and direct access to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Old leaders and younger ones, especially in Umno's women's wing who are not so favoured, would always attempt to stab her on the back. There may even be youth wing leaders who are envious of her fast rise to public prominence.

Azalina must realise that while her protector, Mahathir, is now 76, her intra-party detractors and enemies are much younger in their 50s, 40s and 30s. They will live longer than Mahathir. It means he will no longer be around to protect her forever.

What would happen to her post-Mahathir? Who would be the next target of Khalid Jafri's attacks and smears? For these two questions, it is therefore pressing and urgent to find out the political and financial backers of Perdana Sari and Khalid Jafri. Otherwise, Umno will be forever de-stabilised by some dark forces.

However, there is certainly a need for Azalina to clear her name on the allegation that she has misappropriated RM300,000 from Puteri Umno's treasury for purchasing an expensive car for her friend. It is not a small matter because if the allegation is proven true, she could be charged for a criminal offence under the Penal Code.

Politically, it is always the duty and responsibility of top leaders to be honest and accountable for any common funds entrusted to their care. As far as this aspect is concerned, all top leaders should behave like Ceasar's wife, which means to be above suspicion.

If the allegation on the misappropriation is not right, then Azalina must lodge a police report against Perdana Sari and its publisher. She must clear her name not only for her own sake, but to satisfy public demand for transparency and accountability.