It’s a warning on money politics, says Kadar Shah

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/6/nation/3415885&sec=nation

MUAR: One of the two Umno members who threatened to stop the party’s annual assembly later this month through an injunction said it was a warning to the party leadership over money politics.

Muar Umno division committee leader Datuk Kadar Shah Tun Sulaiman said he and former Selangor Umno Youth leader Datuk Mazlan Harun wanted to ensure the party was truly clean of corrupt leaders.

He said the party and Barisan Nasional would face a very serious political problem if those picked to lead Umno were found to be invol—ved in political corruption.

“Mazlan and I had no bad intention towards any top leaders when we said we wanted to apply for an injunction to stop Umno from holding its general assembly,” he said here yesterday.

“What would happen if some parties call for votes of no confidence against ministers from Umno after they are allegedly involved in money politics to win party posts?”

Kadar Shah also said that Umno should not refer graft allegation cases to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Council (MACC).

Since it was against the party’s constitution for Umno matters to be brought to the courts, those charged would challenge the MACC’s action in the court, he reasoned.

To a question, Kadar Shah said those leaders who criticised his plan to apply for the injunction did not care about the party’s future and what could happen when corrupt leaders were elected.

“Maybe they are among those who practise money politics and do not want the party or the MACC to investigate their involvement.

“Both of us love Umno more than our personal interests and do not want to see it destroyed,” he said.