It is quite interesting to read the saga of the Election Commission hiring Puteri Umno members as part-time election workers.

Puteri Umno is doing the right thing, which is to assist its members to secure jobs. The fact that Puteri is the weakest wing of Umno makes it imperative for Puteri chief Azalina Othman to assist her members in her own way.

We must remember that Puteri is not represented at all in the cabinet nor in any state executive council. It is definitely difficult for Puteri to abuse executive power in getting their members employed anywhere within the government since Puteri holds no posts.

Even in the spirit of the "family" within Umno, there is nobody who would want to help. Wanita will not assist Puteri members as they are perceived to be a threat.

Therefore, in order to make their presence felt, Puteri has to make itself relevant to the party. Two key activities that are so closely associated with Puteri are 1) self-defense clinics, and 2) employment with EC. The intention for the second activity is clear - to help Umno in the coming general election. Should this effort is fruitful, Puteri can then boast of having contributed greatly to Umno's electoral success.