©The Malaysian Insider (Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 – At a gathering several days ago, a member of Umno’s disciplinary committee openly talked about who should be found guilty of money politics.
Two names – Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Ali Rustam – were mentioned.
Last Thursday, the two men were among the most prominent candidates for the Umno elections who were issued show–cause letters by the panel to answer charges of breaching party rules. The other person was Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo.
Today, the displinary committee barred Ali from contesting the elections in a decision that is sure to ignite controversy and uncertainty in the days leading to the elections.
The panel also found Khairy, who is vying to become Umno Youth chief, guilty of breaching the rules but only issued him a warning, while Dr Khir was found not guilty.
So here’s the one question which will dog the party – was there a stitch–up?
In recent weeks, it had become increasingly clear that Ali had taken a clear lead in the race for the party’s No 2 job.
And some senior party leaders were appalled at the prospect of Ali winning what is arguably the second most powerful job in the country.
A number of party leaders began arguing in various newspaper articles against Ali taking the job, and pointing out that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was a much better bet.
They pointed out his poor command of the English language. And they contended that if he won the No 2 job, he would not be suitable for the deputy prime minister’s post, which usually goes with the deputy party presidency because he was not even an MP.
With the disciplinary panel’s decision today, that possibility has been averted.
But there are more than lingering doubts about the decision, especially since he was found guilty by association. The panel had come to their conclusion based on the fact that an “agent” of Ali’s was found to have breached party rules in the campaign.
Khairy also faced a similar charge. Before a three–men panel, he was told that a person who was purportedly his agent was found to have offered money to delegates last July.
It is quite possible the reason he got off with only a warning was that he argued that he only declared his candidacy last September, two months after the alleged offence took place.
Still, his reputation is now tainted, as is that of Ali.
Right now Muhyiddin will have a clearer path to the No 2 party post, and should win unless the remaining contender, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, pulls a surprise.
For the Umno Youth chief’s contest, it is still unclear how his “warning” will affect his chances.
Dr Khir, who has been the subject of graft allegations in recent weeks, appears to be still the leading the race to become Umno Youth chief.
But Ali’s political career has hit a huge speed bump.