Local artiste Erra Fazira has categorically denied reports that she had resigned as Puteri Umno's exco member because of alleged sexual misconduct by the party wing's chief — the second entertainer to do so.

Erra who has earlier stated job commitment as her reason for resigning, said she did not quit because of the allegation that Azalina Othman is a lesbian, or that she (Erra) was under pressure from Azalina's alleged lover.

Her denial is published in Selangordaily website today.

The Puteri Umno chief, a lawyer turned politician, was embroiled in controversy recently when a tabloid, Perdana Sari, alleged that she was a lesbian and had used the wing's money to buy her lover a luxury car.

Erra was reported to have said that she was totally fed up with allegations made by certain quarters whom she claimed as envious of Azalina able leadership in Puteri Umno.

"Everywhere I go, it (the allegation) keeps haunting me, as long as I do not clarify the matter," she added.

Erra said that Puteri Umno should be given the opportunity to grow into a strong movement, and its young members should not be subjected to harassment that could dampen their spirit.

Not contacted

When asked why she took such a long time to clarify the matter, Erra said that no journalist has contacted her to get her side of the story.

She strongly believed that the formation of Puteri Umno is an affirmative move to gather the young and energetic people to be active in politics.

"Please do not dampen these young people's enthusiasm and great spirit. Do not discourage them with such unsubstantiated stories," she added.

Last Monday, another former Puteri Umno exco member, filmmaker-cum-actress Erma Fatima, had also denied rumours that she and five other former members conspired to topple Azalina.

Erma stressed that she had done no wrong to anyone in Puteri Umno and is puzzled why some members want to create trouble for her and Azalina.

Asked if she has plans to issue any statement regarding the rumours which are widely circulated on the Internet, Erma said she would only do so if the allegation is made in major newspapers. She also said she did not know the identities of the rumour mongers.