Umno polls: Stay away from money politics, Najib tells leaders

SEPANG: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has advised all top Umno leaders not to abuse their power, use money politics or launch personal attacks in efforts to obtain posts in the Umno elections this year.

The prime minister reminded all parties to uphold democracy by maintaining order and courtesy during the campaign.

 "My advice is not only for the posts of vice-president but also for all posts, which means the campaign must be civil.

 "Do not resort to money or abuse of power, launch personal attacks and so on, we will determine the suitable guidelines and the disciplinary committee will be scrutinising the campaign," he told a media conference before leaving for the United States at the Bunga Raya Complex in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

Najib said unethical action by any party would tarnish the good image and name of the party, which was the largest in the country, as well as the saviour party of the Malays.

 "I hope all could be conducted in an orderly manner to protect our party's image and ensure we do not tarnish it through whatever means such as speeches or leaflets in support of any candidate," he said.

He stressed that all parties needed to respect the guidelines which would be issued by the party's management and disciplinary committees.

 "We amended the constitution with the aim of making the party more open as what we see today," he said.

Najib said unbridled actions would only damage party interests and therefore, reminded all parties to adhere to the rules set to strengthen the practice of democracy.

 "Through party democracy, we will be better respected by the people who will be closely looking at the contest proceedings in Umno as it is the largest party in the country," he noted. - Bernama