Umno disciplinary committee to announce measures to curb money politics

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today said Umno's disciplinary committee will be announcing several measures to curb money politics in the party very soon.

He said Umno had left it to the committee chaired by Tengku Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Rithauddeen Ismail to take the necessary action against members who indulged in money politics.

"The party president has met Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen on this to ask the committee to come down hard on those dabbling in money politics in the run up to Umno's polls in March next year," he told reporters after officiating the soft launch of The Malaysian Savings Sales 2008 at The Gardens, Mid Valley, Bangsar here.

Najib was asked on efforts the party was taking to tackle the matter as a number of people had spoken that money politics was rearing its ugly head at Umno's ongoing polls at the branch and division levels.

He also said that so far, there was no change in date as to the March polls, although some quarters had argued that with nominations closing on Nov 9, the campaigning period was far too long.

Asked about comments by party veterans that Umno needed more younger leaders, Najib said "All age groups have a role to play in Umno's struggle. However, in terms of active leadership, the majority of Umno members are of the view there is a need for a gradual generational change and I see this as a natural process."

He also urged Umno leaders to be more responsible, not only towards Umno members but to others as well if they they intended on keeping their posts.

"Holding a post in Umno, say for example if you are the divisional head, that is not the end of it all but is the beginning of your responsibility, and your responsibility is not only to the Umno members but also to the people at large. The time has come that they must go beyond Umno members," he said.

Asked who his Pekan Umno division would nominate for Umno's polls, he said: "We have not come to that yet."

Asked for his views on the call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for Melaka Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ali Rustam to be nominated for Umno deputy president, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said : "Anyone can contest for any post in the party provided the person meets the needed criteria."

Questioned why members of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) were free to carry out their activities when it has been banned as a society, he said that it was up to the police to act against them. - Bernama