Rithauddeen: Umno campaign period too long

KUALA LUMPUR: The long campaign period may contribute to more cases of money politics and other offences, said Umno disciplinary board chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail.
However, he did not deny that the long period can also benefit the board to do extensive investigations on more alleged cases.
“We need cooperation from party members to report these offences to the board and not keep quiet for fear of their identity being exposed.
“We have already guaranteed immunity for those who come to us with evidence,” he said at a press conference in the Umno headquarters on Thursday.
To a question, Rithauddeen said those who filed complaints and subsequently withdrew them without concrete reasons would also be charged as the move raised suspicions of conspiracy.
A total of 15 cases were solved with eight members found guilty by the board including two who will be referred to the Supreme Council to be stripped off their memberships.
The offences include money politics, sabotage and misuse of power.
“These people have committed serious offences and are dishonest to the party,” he said.
On Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim’s proposal for Umno to have a tender system so that anyone who was able to contribute the highest amount of money could be a leader, Rithauddeen questioned the practicality of the suggestion.
“There is no provision (in the party’s constitution) for us to use such system. Are we able to get the right people to lead the party and the country with this method?” he asked.

tunku : the long campaign period will mean more money politic will be involved.pak lah seems don't understand about this.people are telling him that he can stay as pm till march but let the umno GA be held in december but he is stubborn.may be he needs another round of bashing at the supreme council.as for rais suggestion, he was saying it sarcastically.