People perceive Umno as corrupt, old leaders must go – Mahathir

The 88 year-old doctor in the house is giving another dose of antidotes to fix UMNO from within, this time calling the older leaders to make way to stop people from the perceiving the Malay party as corrupt.

In his column published in Mingguan Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the people think that UMNO is mired with corruption.

"In fact, UMNO leaders in all level are perceived that they join UMNO not to protect the race, religion and nation, but to enrich themselves," he said.

He urged UMNO to give way new and young untainted leaders to purify UMNO's tainted image.

"(Then) it will become a reality and accepted by the people," he said.

Mahathir's call came amid a poll of UMNO's old guards openly stated their intention to contest in the UMNO's upcoming party polls.

Felda chairman Isa Samad and former Malacca chief minister Ali Rustam, both were found guilty of money politics by UMNO disciplinary board in the past, had expressed their intention to bid for the party's vice presidency.

UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had also announced that he would defend his decision. Khairy was also alleged to be involved in money politics, but was let off with a warning.

Reacting to call to retain all UMNO supreme council members, Mahathir said the proposal would drive the people to doubt that UMNO would change.

"They will remain with their despise feeling against UMNO," he warned.

Speaking out against money politics, Mahathir urged those found using money to campaign to be brought to face UMNO disciplinary board.

"I pray and appeal to the current leaders to accept change and make way. Don't overstay the period granted to you. Put UMNO as priority and put aside your personal interest and ambitions," he urged.

-Harakahdaily