Much criticism has been thrown at the board for what some view as its tardiness in taking action. There is also the perception that the board is "lenient" when moving against prominent party leaders.
Since the board's formation in November 2000, its most high-profile case has been the three-year suspension of Umno vice-president Tan Sri Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad for money politics.
In recent months, the board has mostly been going after members who sabotaged the party and Barisan Nasional at the last general election.
Some members have expressed disappointment about this and want the board to expedite action against those involved in vote-buying and other forms of political corruption.
Recently, Mubarak (Association of Former Umno Elected Representatives) voiced its concern over the fact that the board was taking too much time to deal with complaints.
Board chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen Tengku Ismail said he felt let down by the criticisms and stressed that board members were very committed.
He said the board was constrained by loopholes in the party's code of ethics.
Tengku Rithaudeen said there was no provision to penalise a member who sought bribes in cash or kind in return for his vote or support.
"We should amend (the code) so that those who ask for money are also guilty," he told Bernama on Friday.
Politics being what it is, accusations of bribery have to be supported by evidence.
A senior party leader said: "It is easy to accuse one of money politics but, in some cases, there might not be evidence to prove it.
"This is why the board takes a rather long time to complete its investigations.
"The board also has to take account of the implications when a prominent party leader is found guilty of money politics."
Party bigwigs are especially wary of what a climate of distrust could do to Umno's rejuvenation if the allegations are later found to be unfounded or unprovable.
"The board is faced with a dilemma.
"As much as party members want the board to be transparent and act without fear or favour, it is easier said than done.
"That could be a reason why the board treads carefully before taking action against well-known personalities," said a division head.
Isa's suspension in June 2005 shook up his support base. As vice-president, he had come out tops among the three elected at the 2004 party elections.
"It does not mean that it is justified for the board to delay its findings.
"In the end, we need to prove that the board truly acts independently," the division leader said.
Tengku Rithaudeen had said that more than 800 reports had been lodged over the past few months.
But party members are still waiting to see stern action against the transgressions committed during the month-long Umno divisional elections which ended on Nov 9.
Whispers on the ground indicate that money politics was rampant during this period.
Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had instructed the disciplinary board to wrap up its investigations before the March elections.
A supreme council member said there were high expectations that the board would curtail corruption in Umno's election process.
"The board has been in existence for eight years and, except for Isa's case, we do not see anything concrete. Swift action must be taken to restore member confidence in the board."
Some of the complaints against the board have zeroed in on its chairman. After seven years, they said it might be time for Tengku Rithaudeen to consider stepping down.
A former senior party leader said: "We acknowledge that Tengku Rithaudeen has done a good job but maybe we need new energy which can bring about the much desired changes.
"The post must be filled by a veteran party leader who no longer holds any party post. Of course, it is the prerogative of the party president to appoint the chairman."
With three months to go to the Umno elections, the disciplinary board is being closely watched.
The revival of Umno's popular support could depend on whether it is seen to be capable of cleaning up the party.
NST
28/12/08
Since the board's formation in November 2000, its most high-profile case has been the three-year suspension of Umno vice-president Tan Sri Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad for money politics.
In recent months, the board has mostly been going after members who sabotaged the party and Barisan Nasional at the last general election.
Some members have expressed disappointment about this and want the board to expedite action against those involved in vote-buying and other forms of political corruption.
Recently, Mubarak (Association of Former Umno Elected Representatives) voiced its concern over the fact that the board was taking too much time to deal with complaints.
Board chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen Tengku Ismail said he felt let down by the criticisms and stressed that board members were very committed.
He said the board was constrained by loopholes in the party's code of ethics.
Tengku Rithaudeen said there was no provision to penalise a member who sought bribes in cash or kind in return for his vote or support.
"We should amend (the code) so that those who ask for money are also guilty," he told Bernama on Friday.
Politics being what it is, accusations of bribery have to be supported by evidence.
A senior party leader said: "It is easy to accuse one of money politics but, in some cases, there might not be evidence to prove it.
"This is why the board takes a rather long time to complete its investigations.
"The board also has to take account of the implications when a prominent party leader is found guilty of money politics."
Party bigwigs are especially wary of what a climate of distrust could do to Umno's rejuvenation if the allegations are later found to be unfounded or unprovable.
"The board is faced with a dilemma.
"As much as party members want the board to be transparent and act without fear or favour, it is easier said than done.
"That could be a reason why the board treads carefully before taking action against well-known personalities," said a division head.
Isa's suspension in June 2005 shook up his support base. As vice-president, he had come out tops among the three elected at the 2004 party elections.
"It does not mean that it is justified for the board to delay its findings.
"In the end, we need to prove that the board truly acts independently," the division leader said.
Tengku Rithaudeen had said that more than 800 reports had been lodged over the past few months.
But party members are still waiting to see stern action against the transgressions committed during the month-long Umno divisional elections which ended on Nov 9.
Whispers on the ground indicate that money politics was rampant during this period.
Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had instructed the disciplinary board to wrap up its investigations before the March elections.
A supreme council member said there were high expectations that the board would curtail corruption in Umno's election process.
"The board has been in existence for eight years and, except for Isa's case, we do not see anything concrete. Swift action must be taken to restore member confidence in the board."
Some of the complaints against the board have zeroed in on its chairman. After seven years, they said it might be time for Tengku Rithaudeen to consider stepping down.
A former senior party leader said: "We acknowledge that Tengku Rithaudeen has done a good job but maybe we need new energy which can bring about the much desired changes.
"The post must be filled by a veteran party leader who no longer holds any party post. Of course, it is the prerogative of the party president to appoint the chairman."
With three months to go to the Umno elections, the disciplinary board is being closely watched.
The revival of Umno's popular support could depend on whether it is seen to be capable of cleaning up the party.
NST
28/12/08
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