By SA’ODAH ELIAS
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he would make good his promise to name Umno election candidates involved in money politics if the party’s disciplinary board fails to take the necessary action against them.He said all complaints on money politics forwarded to him by members have been sent to the disciplinary board for further action.
“I am now checking the status of the complaints. If I find that the reports are valid and that there is enough evidence against the party involved, yet the disciplinary board fails to do anything, I will name them.
“However, I have to be careful by ensuring that there is substantive evidence against them before doing so,” he told The Star yesterday.
Disciplinary board chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen, when contacted, said the integrity of the board in carrying out its duties was unquestionable.
“I do not care who they are. If there are complaints against them, I promise you we will take the necessary action.
“And if there is enough proof that they are guilty, we will mete out the proper punishment.
“We always carry out our duties without fear or favour, so I am not afraid to take action against anyone who is guilty, irrespective of his position in the party or the government.”
Rithauddeen said the board has always been very strict when dealing with cases of political bribery.
“We only look at facts. We do not look at personality. We couldn’t care less if the person is a leader. If he is guilty, we will act against him.”
Dr Mahathir last week promised to name Umno members implicated in politics in his blog www.chedet.com.
He said he was willing to be sued for defamation and even risk arrest.
He also raised questions over the credibility of candidates contesting the Umno deputy president’s post, saying that there was a strong possibility that money politics was involved.
Mahathir threatens to spill the beansMalaysia Star, Malaysia
