The support expressed by several top Umno leaders for Azalina Othman Said (photo) could have deterred Puteri Umno divisions from nominating other candidates to contest the wing's top post at its inaugural election next month.

"Obviously, they (the divisions) dare not nominate candidates other than Azalina," said a Wanita Umno exco member who declined to be named

"Otherwise, I think some of them ( the challengers) could have easily gained the minimum two nominations needed to contest against Azalina," she told malaysiakini today.

Azalina, who is the pro tem Puteri Umno chief, has received nominations from 52 divisions which have held their meetings to date. Another 113 divisions have yet to meet.

Four other potential candidates, Mastina Abdul Hamid, Raihan Suleiman, Mazibah Mohd Zin and Ummi Hafilda Ali, have yet to receive a single nomination.

Asked whether Azalina should be challenged, the Wanita Umno leader replied: "Why not...at least it could test the wing's support for Azalina."

On the rumours that Wanita Umno does not support Azalina's leadership, she said: "It is not true at all. The issue at hand is that the present Puteri Umno style of leadership fails to observe party traditions."

"We realise that in the future, the young blood will take over from us. But they should not ignore party's traditions.

"As a puteri, which literally means princess, they should behave accordingly," she added.

'Aggressive' attitude

The Wanita Umno leader said party members should avoid indulging in things which could be exploited by the opposition.

Although she did not elaborate, it is widely believed that the Wanita wing is uncomfortable with the 'aggressive' attitude of Puteri members, especially in recent by-election campaigns.

The Wanita Umno leader also commented on Puteri Umno's alleged recruitment problems.

"I was told that they are having difficulties in setting up divisions which require at least 15 branches.

"Unfortunately, they simply pick up Wanita Umno members who are below 35 and re-register them as Puteri Umno members. By doing so, they manage to form the 15 branches required," she said.

Puteri Umno was formed two years ago in order to attract younger Malay women into the Umno fold.

Azalina, a lawyer by profession, was handpicked by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to lead the wing.

However, trouble began to brew in April when Malay tabloid, Perdana Sari accused Azalina of sexual misconduct and graft.

The crisis flared in recent weeks when reports were lodged by a former aide, on the Puteri Umno leader's alleged wrongdoings, with the Umno management committee. A police report was also lodged on the matter.

The Puteri Umno election will be held on Nov 1.