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| Monkeying over money politics "I have tried asking nicely, begged and even cried, but no more of that. "Money politics is the worst kind of disease which can cause UMNO to rot from within. "I am a doctor and I believe that when gangrene sets in, the affected part must be amputated so that it will not kill the body. "I do not fear that my tough stand will turn some members against me. "I don't ask anyone to love me, just to love the party. I am mortal just like you, but hopefully, UMNO will live for as long as the Malays are around. "No one in the party will be exempted from action if they were found guilty of wrongdoing. "I am willing to be sacked from the party if it can be proven that I am guilty of any unethical conduct." (Star, 12.5.2001) Believe it or not, as far back as 10 years ago I had in fact revealed during the opening of the UMNO General Assembly that "there was a former Finance Minister who promised the Selangor Government $3 billion and a banking licence, if the state's delegation to the party general assembly voted for him in the supreme council elections. "The Malay Chamber of Commerce in every state was given a finance company licence. "On-the-spot grants, which are the prerogative of the Prime Minister and his deputy, were used by this minister to make himself popular. (Abuse of power, corruption?) "Other powers given to the Finance Minister were used by this man to gain support for himself in the UMNO elections." -- . (Star, 9.11.91) No action was taken against this "former Finance Minster". In fact, he rejoined UMNO in 1996. And just a few weeks ago, in Gua Musang, he made such a touching plea, urging me to continue serving the country -- for my "firm leadership" was still needed under the present political and economic climate (NST, 8.4.01). He should know what he is talking about, as he has seen how "firm" I have been in tackling money politics, all these years. In fact. seven years ago, during the UMNO Extraordinary General Assembly to curb money politics and corruption, I had, whilst exerting my "firm leadership" pointed out that the 1987 party elections was responsible for the emergence of money politics in the party. I had said then: "The splinter group (Semangat 46) which is now outside the party is responsible for the spread of money politics in UMNO. "They gave bribes at hotels, in toilets, they put UMNO members under some kind of house arrest (how "militant"!) and made promises to appoint many members to positions such as mentris besar, deputy ministers and ministers. "They gave gifts and paid for holidays. As one of them put it: 'RM20 million is cheap to be a prime minister". I do not have to say who (said that), you can all guess." -- (Star, 20.6.94) No action was taken, but ask Tengku Razaleigh, or ask the Minister in my Department, Rais Yatim, and they will be able to tell you -- how much freedom under my Executive power they have enjoyed. I am sure they are now very committed to and supportive of my resolve to put an end to money politics in UMNO ! Martin Jalleh (16.5.01) |