PUTRAJAYA, 27 Nov 2008: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hopes the Umno disciplinary board will be able to wrap up its investigations into money politics before March 2009 so that those found guilty can be prevented from contesting in party elections.
The Umno president said the move would ensure the party’s administration would run smoothly.
If a person was found guilty only after being elected, the person would have to vacate the post and this would disrupt the party’s administration, he told reporters after presenting the 2008 quality awards for the public sector.
The prime minister said however that this did not mean that the board should rush the investigations.
Abdullah was confident that the board would carry the investigations speedily and thoroughly and a decision could be made before the March 2009 annual general assembly.
Those found guilty of money politics would still be stripped of their posts even upon their elections, he said, adding that the Anti-Corruption Agency could still investigate if there were corrupt elements in the contest. — Bernama
