Umno Must Eradicate Money Politics, Says Dr Mahathir

Written by Writer on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Umno Must Eradicate Money Politics, Says Dr Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) — Umno must eradicate money politics to ensure the people were not frustrated with the behaviour of leaders, said former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“If, in the present situation, the culture of money politics among leaders is not eradicated, I fear the voters will get frustrated with their behaviour,” he said when interviewed over TV channel Astro Awani here Tuesday night.

The former prime minister said Umno should also have an advisory body whose members did not have any self-interest to ensure the party’s rebranding proceeded smoothly.

“If they are on the advisory body but use their influence to get something for themselves, then, there is a conflict and their advice may not be good.

“However, if the advisory body is free from self-interest, then it can give good advice,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said, to restore Umno’s strength and regain the votes from the five Opposition-held states, Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties must be united.

“If they (the parties) quarrel, it is of no use. Actually, in the BN’s performance in the March 8 general election, not only did Umno lose badly, so did Gerakan, MIC and MCA.

“To strengthen BN again, all must go to the ground. Be close to the people and set good examples,” he advised.

– BERNAMA