Two potential contenders for the Puteri Umno chief's post may be out of the race even before the Nov 1 election as their chances of securing the required number of nominations are said to be very slim.

Whispers have it that "unseen hands" are at work to prevent Mastina Abdul Hamid and Raihan Suleiman Palestine from even being deemed also-rans in the inaugural polls that would otherwise be a four-cornered fight.

The two, along with Mazibah Mohd Zin, have announced their intention to stand against pro tem chief, lawyer Azalina Othman Said.

As they gear up to tackle the rough and tumble of politics, they are only too aware that quite a few hurdles must be crossed first.

Grassroots 'fearful'

Malaysiakini has learnt that division leaders in Puteri Umno have been directed not to nominate anyone but Azalina for the chief's post.

A former exco member who requested anonymity, said "higher-ups" in Umno had issued the directive to prevent Mastina and Raihan from getting the stipulated two nominations each, to be eligible to run against Azalina.

"There are definitely unseen hands behind the scene forcing inexperienced Puteri Umno members at the grassroots to support Azalina. Of course, they would be scared to nominate other candidates now," she claimed.

She said those outside Puteri Umno should not meddle in the affairs of the wing or try to dupe the members just because they are political novices.

"Such interference will only kill democracy in Puteri Umno and deter professionals from joining the wing and party," she said.

However, the same source did not anticipate that Mazibah, who announced her candidacy yesterday, would face problems because she is widely seen to be from Azalina's camp.

"Mazibah's motive for contesting the post is highly dubious because it comes so late. She may have been planted by Azalina (who have secured 20 nominations so far), to split the nominations," the source said.

"She is quite close to Azalina, especially because they were together at the Civil Action Bureau before ... she also lent Azalina a hand in setting up the wing."

Yesterday, however, Mazibah refuted the notion that she was an "Azalina proxy" and further denied that her challenge was endorsed by Wanita Umno.

Contenders confident

Mastina, when contacted, said she hoped to receive the two nominations before the Oct 15 deadline expires. The nomination period opened on Sept 16.

"I don't know whether any 'invisible hands' are trying to block my nomination. The members should choose a leader who is capable of running the wing," she said.

"I offered myself (for the No 1 post) because I have strong grassroots support. I cannot imagine having a lot of support at division level and not getting any nominations."

Raihan, too, said she was confident about being nominated despite having to conduct a solo campaign.

"I am sure the brave ones in Puteri Umno will give their nomination to other candidates, not just Azalina," she said.

Malaysiakini has also learnt that certain quarters in Puteri Umno are disappointed that Azalina is free to contest despite reports lodged with the Umno disciplinary committee and the police over allegations of misconduct within the wing.

Yesterday, Mazibah said the party should resolve all controversies surrounding Azalina before the end of the nomination period to ensure a fair election for the two-year-old wing.

Among allegations against Azalina are that four vehicles belonging to the wing have been registered in the names of people who have no links with Puteri Umno; that the wing has three separate bank accounts; and that funds raised at a function for Afghan refugees have gone missing.