KUALA LUMPUR, 16 March 2009: Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib has urged the disciplinary board to announced the names of candidates involved in money politics before the party elections.
“Yes, I have heard such talks but let us wait for an announcement from the disciplinary board. It is best to announce their names soon,” he told reporters at parliament lobby here today.
Muhammad was commenting a front page report in Utusan Malaysia that several candidates vying for Umno’s top posts have been summoned by the disciplinary board in connection with money politics.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister said a quick announcement was necessary to calm down the situation.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar agreed with Muhammad and urged that the names of candidates involved in money politics announced before the elections on 24 March.
“We cannot wait any longer as it will bring chaos and destroy the party. Money politics must be stamped out as it will erode the peoples’ confidence in Umno,” said the Home Minister.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Hasan Malek urged those investigated for money politics to accept them and respect the disciplinary board.
“Umno members who offered to contest party posts must accept the risks. If there is proof, then action must be taken irrespective whether they are “big fish” or “small fish”. — Bernama
