Jamal cries foul over disciplinary probe on alleged Umno polls bribery

Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos has cried foul over the party’s disciplinary board’s probe against him for allegedly bribing 12 delegates to vote for him in the party elections last month.

This comes after Jamal was reportedly issued a show-cause letter by the disciplinary board for purportedly “committing acts of corruption and political bribery by giving RM1,000 to delegates” from several branches on March 17.

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Jamal (above) confirmed that the disciplinary board had summoned him to clarify the matter this Wednesday at noon.

However, he vehemently denied allegations that have been thrown at him, saying that it is defamation from “certain quarters” who were defeated in the elections.

Khir Toyo

“In the (party) elections, it was a straight fight between me and (former Selangor menteri besar) Khir (Toyo).

“Of course, there are parties that lost and are dissatisfied with my victory.

“I don’t wish to drop names but this is from those who are not satisfied (with the election results),” he said.

In a bid to clear his name, Jamal said a press conference will be held after the meeting with the party’s disciplinary board.

In the recently concluded polls, Jamal retained his post as Sungai Besar division chief by defeating Khir with a 119-vote majority.

‘Violated code of ethics’

Earlier, Utusan Malaysia reported that Jamal was said to have violated the provisions of the Umno constitution and Umno members’ code of ethics and can be punished under Clause 20.9.

Citing a letter signed by board chairperson Mohd Hafarizam Harun dated April 6, the Malay daily reported that the purportedly bribed delegates were also ordered to swear to vote for Jamal in the internal party elections.

The delegates were said to be from five party branches - Parit Sungai Haji Dorani, Parit 3 Jalan Lama, Sungai Limau, Simpang Tiga Loji, and Pekan Pasir Panjang.

“They were delegates of the Sungai Besar division, (who), through your agent, (were ordered) to elect you as division chief in the party polls for the 2023-2026 term,” Hafarizam said in the letter.

In addition to the cash offered, the letter alleged that the delegates were also given a bag containing a delegate lanyard, cai (menu), and an invitation card that could be cashable – amounting to RM2,000 – if Jamal won the election.

The term cai evolved from the term cai dan or “restaurant menu” in Chinese. In the Malaysian political context, 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 elections. - Mkini