Tajuddin: 'Cai' culture normal in party election, nothing new

 

The “cai” (menu) culture is normal in every party election, said former Umno election director Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

He said this in response to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who claimed there were cai and movements occurring within the party, ahead of internal election.

“Cai is normal. There’s cai in every election. What is so shocking or abnormal about it? It is not something new that has not happened in Umno. There’s no need to mention it.

“I have been in Umno for 45 years, I have seen many competitions (between candidates), there is always cai,” he told reporters at the World Trade Center today.

The term cai evolved from the term “cai dan” or “restaurant menu” in Chinese. In the Malaysian political context, the cai dan usually serves as a voting guide issued by competing teams.
It normally contains photographs of candidates and their corresponding numbers used for the election.

Keep an open mind

Human Resources Minister M Saravanan told the press that while cai was a regular thing, it is important to keep an open mind and focus on unity.

“This is present in politics. It’s not new,” he said.

Zahid says cai serves as a voting guide

Earlier today, Zahid said the culture of cai which serves as a voting guide ahead of the next party election, has emerged ahead of party elections.

He added that he was aware of movements occuring, including amongst delegates in Johor and Malacca as well as , where they were paid money.

He said cash handout is not a good culture but he believed those who paid money harboured no bad intentions.

"It's not that I don't know, some have teamed up together (for the party election) and we have cai," he said.

Free to contest

"Anyone can contest in the upcoming party election. Mohamad Hasan can run for the presidency if he dares. Anyone who is brave can also contest in the deputy president post against Mohamad, even the vice-president posts. We have no fear at all," he said.

Meanwhile, Zahid said 186 out of 190 Umno divisions passed a resolution to hold the party election after the general election.

"This is not my decision, but the divisions. It is common for the party to hold an internal election after the general election. This has been a practice for years. Is it appropriate for us to change the tradition?" Zahid asked. - Mkini