Published on: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 |
PEKAN: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday Umno Vice-President Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, who was found guilty of indulging in money politics should step down from all party posts.
The Prime Minister and Umno President said that he was sad because Mohd Isa was involved in money politics during the party leadership elections in September last year.
"I'm also sad that Isa was involved in money politics and that he had been punished by the (Umno) Disciplinary Board.
"As such, he has to step down from all posts in the party," he told reporters after visiting the Defence Technologies Bhd (DEFTECH) factory, here.
The Umno Disciplinary Board announced officially Monday, Mohd Isa's suspension from the party for six years.
Also present at the factory visit was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"However, he (Isa) can still file an appeal. I hope he can make his appeal immediately," Abdullah said.
The Prime Minister said that to his knowledge, the Disciplinary Board had arrived at the decision after considering all the facts and information received on the matter.
On Isa's position in the cabinet as Minister of Federal Territories, Abdullah said: "This does not arise at the moment because he has to file an appeal (regarding the party post)."
Asked about the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle in the event that Isa's appeal is rejected, Abdullah declined comment, saying: "It's a speculative question."-Bernama
In KUALA LUMPUR, the Board said it started its investigations into the breach of the party's code of ethics by Isa last October.
Chairman Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail said the misconduct by Mohd Isa was also discussed in detail over two to three weeks before he was called to answer the charges last Thursday.
Asked about the decision to suspend Isa that was adopted by the board in what was regarded as a short time, Rithauddeen said the period was sufficient to scrutinise the 30 complaints against Isa and his testimony.
"On June 23, they (the members of the board) heard the case of Isa and completed the hearing before the Maghrib (prayers) at 5 pm.
After the Maghrib (prayers), they evaluated the testimony and evidence given by complainants until midnight. After evaluating the evidence, they made their decision.
Rithauddeen said Isa was found to have breached Article 2, 2.1, 2.2 and Article 5 of the Umno Members' Code of Ethics.
Article 2, 2.1 and 2.2, which relates to abuse of authority and money, among other things says:
* Party members are prohibited from abusing any authority vested in them for the purpose of garnering votes or support or using influence in any party election for themselves or others or persuading against voting for anyone in the party elections.
* Party members are prohibited from giving or receiving or allowing their wives, children or anyone else from giving or receiving on their behalf, directly or indirectly, any gifts or money from or to any Umno member:
a) regardless whether the giving of the gift is connected in whatever way to the party election.
b) regardless whether it is in the form of money, material, free fare, transport facility, service, entertainment or any other benefit, apparent or otherwise.
Article 5, which relates to functions and meetings, among other things says:
* Party members are prohibited from organising any gathering, meeting, reception and any function involving Umno members in connection with any election for any party post.
Asked how many times Isa was called to present himself before the board and whether the period of one hour and 45 minutes before the Board last Thursday was sufficient, Rithauddeen said:
"Only once ... I feel there was no problem ... how long do you want it?"
The Board's Deputy Chairman, Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi, elaborated by saying that before concluding an investigation, the board would ask the accused whether he wanted to submit any other defence, present any other witness or give any more evidence.
"... if he wants to seek a postponement and call fresh witnesses or add evidence, we allow that. We always allow the accused to provide testimony to his satisfaction."
Rithauddeen said the penalty imposed on Isa was proportionate to the offence.- Bernama
