KUALA LUMPUR: Umno’s disciplinary board today barred leading deputy presidential contender Datuk Seri Ali Rustam from contesting for breaching the party’s regulation, ending days of intense speculation.
Umno Disciplinary board chairman Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen Ismail made the announcement at the party’s headquarters here.
Rithaudeen told reporters that Ali was found guilty under Section 10.1 of the party’s code of ethics after his agents were found guilty of vote buying.
“His offence was because there was a link, his agents were found guilty, so he was guilty too,” said Rithaudeen.
Ali’s political secretary, Saadun Basirun from Bukit Katil division, was suspended for three years for involvement in money politics.
Rithaudeen confirmed the offences were committed during and after the nomination period.
Rithaudeen also said that Ali has been called to appear before the board but refused to give details.
The board chairman also confirmed that the Malacca Chief Minister is still an Umno member and can attend the party assembly as a delegate.
With this action, the contest for the party’s deputy president post will be a straight fight between Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.
Ali has been named as the favourite candidate because of his vast network of supporters among the party grass roots. He contested the vice president post in 2004 for the first time and won.
The board also issued a warning to Umno Youth chief contender Khairy Jamaluddin, who was deemed guilty, while clearing his rival Datuk Seri Khir Toyo of any wrongdoing.
Rithaudeen when asked why Khairy was only warned as he was found guilty for the same offence as Ali, he said that there was no strong evidence against the case.
“The punishment must fit the crime,” said Rithaudeen.
All together, there were 15 names, mostly division chiefs, on the board’s list.
Rithaudeen refused to comment on whether the list was final.
He added that those found guilty can appeal against the board decision but refused to say whether it would be resolved before party election next week.
On whether it was fair for the board to make the announcement one week before the assembly, Rithaudeen said the question did not arise, adding that the board had thoroughly investigated the cases.
When asked whether the case could be brought to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission, Rithaudeen said that the body handles criminal cases while the board handles cases involving the party’s code of ethics.
Malaysian Insider
17/03/09
Umno Disciplinary board chairman Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen Ismail made the announcement at the party’s headquarters here.
Rithaudeen told reporters that Ali was found guilty under Section 10.1 of the party’s code of ethics after his agents were found guilty of vote buying.
“His offence was because there was a link, his agents were found guilty, so he was guilty too,” said Rithaudeen.
Ali’s political secretary, Saadun Basirun from Bukit Katil division, was suspended for three years for involvement in money politics.
Rithaudeen confirmed the offences were committed during and after the nomination period.
Rithaudeen also said that Ali has been called to appear before the board but refused to give details.
The board chairman also confirmed that the Malacca Chief Minister is still an Umno member and can attend the party assembly as a delegate.
With this action, the contest for the party’s deputy president post will be a straight fight between Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.
Ali has been named as the favourite candidate because of his vast network of supporters among the party grass roots. He contested the vice president post in 2004 for the first time and won.
The board also issued a warning to Umno Youth chief contender Khairy Jamaluddin, who was deemed guilty, while clearing his rival Datuk Seri Khir Toyo of any wrongdoing.
Rithaudeen when asked why Khairy was only warned as he was found guilty for the same offence as Ali, he said that there was no strong evidence against the case.
“The punishment must fit the crime,” said Rithaudeen.
All together, there were 15 names, mostly division chiefs, on the board’s list.
Rithaudeen refused to comment on whether the list was final.
He added that those found guilty can appeal against the board decision but refused to say whether it would be resolved before party election next week.
On whether it was fair for the board to make the announcement one week before the assembly, Rithaudeen said the question did not arise, adding that the board had thoroughly investigated the cases.
When asked whether the case could be brought to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission, Rithaudeen said that the body handles criminal cases while the board handles cases involving the party’s code of ethics.
Malaysian Insider
17/03/09
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