Syed Hamid: Kota Tinggi branch meetings tainted

KOTA TINGGI: The Umno branch meetings here are tainted by money politics, supreme council member Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said yesterday. "The branch meetings this time are the worst I have ever experienced."

The home minister and member of parliament for Kota Tinggi said this after launching a community programme at Felda Bukit Aping Barat near here.

Syed Hamid, who is also the Kota Tinggi Umno division chief, said money politics within Umno had become so cancerous that it had even affected the grassroots.

"I am not sure if we can heal this cancer, but the contest this time has reached an all-time low. Everyone seems to be going all out to contest as if they were going to war."

He is expected to be challenged at the divisional level by businessman Daing A. Malik Daing Abdul Rahman.

The two have been embroiled in a war of words since the start of the branch meetings with Daing A. Malik obtaining an injunction from the High Court in Johor Baru last week to prevent Syed Hamid from distributing allegedly defa-matory materials against him.

Daing A. Malik is leading Syed Hamid with 11 endorsements to four from the branches to contest for the divisional chief's post.

Another 31 branches in the Kota Tinggi division have yet to hold their meetings.

Syed Hamid said some of those vying for posts in the branches were not only using money to buy votes, but also employing outsiders to threaten members to vote for them.

"I am afraid that once this is all over, it will be difficult for us to revive Umno. Anyone who becomes a leader after this will have to admit that the party faces a huge problem if money politics is not eradicated."

Pengerang Umno division chief Datuk Harun Abdullah is also alleging that money politics is rampant at branch meetings in his area.

Harun, the Tanjung Surat assemblyman, said agents of individuals in the division had been offering money to members attending branch meetings. He declined to name the individuals.

Harun said several branch chiefs had complained to the Umno disciplinary board, which was expected to hold a hearing, probably next week.

Harun has secured three endorsements to defend his post.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who is the division's vice-chief, has received 22 nominations. Eight branches have yet to hold their meetings.

Harun needs another four branches to nominate him, failing which Azalina will be appointed uncontested as the division leader.