Money politics: Take the money, reject the giver, says Ku Li

Umno presidential candidate Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah proposes the establishment of a discplinary committee to deal with money politics.

Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah says those who indulged in money politics are like cancers that will harm the party. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Umno members who are offered money by candidates for their support, should take the money but reject those candidates at the party polls, says Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Tengku Razaleigh, who is running for Umno president, said the actions of some who continued to practise money politics must be rejected as they were like “cancers” which would harm the party.

“If there is money politics in the coming party polls, my advice is take their money, but don’t vote for them. If I offer you money, don’t vote for me, don’t even talk to me.

“We must boycott such people because they damage us, money politics obstructs people with potential but have no money to contribute,” he said, adding Umno members must oppose those who practised money politics.

Speaking at the Johor Umno Hari Raya celebrations, Tengku Razaleigh, who is Gua Musang MP, said Umno didn’t need those who indulged in money politics.

He added that if he was given the trust to lead the party, he would establish a special discplinary committee within the party to deal with money politics.

“If we come to power again, we can formulate laws to make money politics illegal and punish those who practise it.

Tengku Razaleigh, who is popularly known as Ku Li, also reiterated his stand that Umno should remain a Malay party, amid proposals for it to open its doors to non-Malays.

“I suggest that any Malay who wants a political party which welcomes members from all races to join DAP.”

In the June 30 Umno polls, Tengku Razaleigh will be taking on four others for the president’s post, including former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. -FMT