Former Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman, who had expressed interest to challenge incumbent Shahrizat Abdul Jalil for the Umno Wanita chief post, is reportedly having second thoughts and may stay out of the race.

Several newspapers today quoted insiders as saying that Azalina has decided to withdraw from the running of the post to among others, avoid causing “friction” in the party.

shahrizat abdul jalil An official announcement is expected to be made on September 20.

This leaves Shahrizat ( left ) and Raihan Suleiman, who had reportedly announced on Facebook that she will go to for the Wanita top post.

It was also reported that Azalina is stepping back as it appears that Shahrizat, who stepped down as cabinet minister last year when her family was embroiled in the National Feedlot Corporation issue, has strong support nationwide.

Wanita divisions in seven states—Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Malacca and Johor—have endorsed Shahrizat, while others are expected to do the same.

Azalina, who is a member of Johor Umno and the MP for Pengerang, is expected to contest for a spot in the supreme council instead.

Alleged money politics

Meanwhile, Berita Harian reported that the Umno disciplinary committee has received two complaints of money politics in party polls campaigns, and are investigating the matter.

Disciplinary committee tribunal chairperson Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas reportedly claimed that the two candidates are vying for a division post and a supreme council post respectively.

The nomination date for the polls is Sep 21. The Wanita, Puteri and Youth wings will choose their leaders on Oct 12, while the division and supreme council polls will take place on Oct 19.