Puteri Umno member and a key witness in the Anwar Ibrahim corruption trial Ummi Hafilda Ali ( photo ) is hoping to get the two nominations necessary to contest the Puteri Umno top post.

She appealed to the 50 Puteri Umno divisions which have yet to hold their meetings to nominate other interested contenders for the post.

"I don't mind if they do not nominate me, but please give others a chance," Ummi pleaded at a press conference in Bandar Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur today.

So far, incumbent Azalina Othman Said has garnered 110 nominations from divisions nationwide, leaving her potential contenders with a very slim chance to challenge her although a candidate only needs two nominations to contest in the Nov 1 inaugural election.

Other Umno members who have expressed their interest to contest are the wing's former information chief Mastina Abdul Hamid, former exco member Raihan Suleiman Palestine, businesswoman Mazibah Mohd Zin and Shuhanie Deraman.

Ummi announced her interest in the post two weeks ago and, like the other contenders, has yet to receive a single nomination although the Oct 15 deadline is approaching fast.

Ummi also repeated her call to Azalina to come forward and prove herself as a "clean leader" failing which, she said, the pro tem chief would continue to be a liability to the wing and party.

Funds

She demanded that Azalina, a lawyer, answer several questions pertaining to her moral standing and leadership.

"First and foremost, I would like to see Azalina come forward and defend herself on allegations made by author Khalid Jafri that she is a lesbian," said Ummi.

In addition, Khalid alleged that Azalina had bought a luxurious car for her lover using Puteri Umno funds.

Ummi also wanted Azalina to clarify how the wing's funds have been spent.

"I am tired of listening to her excuses that she is only answerable to certain top Umno leaders," Ummi said.

She also questioned why within a year of the wing's establishment, Azalina fired 11 exco members and others who were responsible for the setting up of Puteri Umno.

"I have never heard of any leader who has sacked so many people, especially when those fired are very capable ones," Ummi added.