Many Malaysians, including the writer, were shocked at the response of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the allegations of lesbianism and criminal misappropriation of Puteri Umno's funds totalling RM300,000 made by Perdana Sari against Puteri Umno chief, Azalina Ahmad Othman.

His comment that there was no need for Azalina to take the matter to court is surprising given the fact that his favourite son, Mirzan Mahathir, has sued Asian Wall Street Journal for defamation to clear his name and claim substantial damages.

The allegations against Azalina are very serious, especially in view of her position as Puteri Umno chief. She also sits on the Umno Supreme Council. The public is entitled to know the truth.

Khalid Jafri, the publisher of the tabloid, has openly stated that he has evidences to prove the allegations if the matter is taken to court. We, the public, including Mahathir, are not in a position to verify the truth or falsity of the charges. Only an independent judiciary can perform that task.

Azalina, if she wants to continue as a political leader, has no choice but to go to court to clear her name. She should file a case in court to claim damages for injury to her reputation and obtain a court order expeditiously to restrain Khalid Jafri from repeating the defamatory allegations.

If it can be proved that the allegations are false and have been made maliciously, the police can take action against Khalid Jafri for criminal defamation under the Penal Code and also for an offence under the Printing Presses and Publication Act.

If Azalina does not clear her name through the judicial process, then the public cannot be blamed for believing that Khalid's allegations are true. Such public perception would affect not only the character and reputation of Azalina but also the image of Umno, the Barisan Nasional, and the country.

Azalina is no ordinary person. She is the rising star in Umno, the backbone of the ruling party, and may, one day, become the prime minister of this country. Surely, we do not want a prime minister over whose head hangs the charges of lesbianism and criminality.

Since the allegations against Azalina have serious legal, political and religious implications for our nation, the media and the political elite from the ruling party and the opposition must take this matterseriously and ensure that justice is done to Azalina and the people of Malaysia.

The only way to do justice is to enforce the law against its violators regardless of their position and political connection.Unfortunately, our mainstream media has shied away from discussing this important issue, perhaps for fear of offending the sensitivities of our prime minister.

I can understand the dilemma faced by our prime minister. If the matter goes to court and Khalid proves his allegations, then it would seriously embarrass him and his party and cause irreparable political damage. On the other hand, if he shields Azalina from the charges using his position and power, then he would be accused of practising hypocrisy and double-standards in performing his public duties.

After all, he has frequently claimed that he demands high moral probity from political leaders. He has repeatedly told the nation and the international community that he sacked Anwar Ibrahim from his government posts because of Anwar's alleged sexual misconduct.

All the state's resources were used to substantiate the allegations against Anwar who had to go through a gruelling trial in trying to establish his innocence. The prosecution resorted to every means — fair and foul — including bringing the mattress alleged to have been used by Anwar to commit sexual misconduct, to prove the charges. There was also the allegation made in open court of attempted fabrication of evidence by the present Attorney General, which, to this day, has not been rebutted .

Given the single-minded determination with which Mahathir's administration prosecuted (some say persecuted) Anwar for alleged sodomy and corruption, many are wondering why, now, he is trying to protect Azalina from Khalid's charges of lesbianism and criminal misappropriation of Puteri Umno's funds.

Mahathir has no choice in this matter if he wants to protect his reputation as an honest national and international leader. He must advise Azalina to clear her name in court. He must also instruct the police to investigate the charges against Azalina with a view to prosecuting her if the investigation discloses a prima facie case against her.

Mahathir has had an illustrious career as prime minister of this country. He has made great contributions to the development and progress of this country. He should not end his career leaving, for thefuture generation, a legacy of corruption, cronyism, hypocrisy and duplicity in public life.