Management committee to discuss Norza’s polls eligibility
(The Star) – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is leaving it to the Umno management committee to decide whether Federal Territory Umno Youth chief Datuk Mohamad Norza Zakaria, charged recently with two counts of corruption, is eligible to defend his Supreme Council post.
The Umno president said such cases would usually be deliberated by the management committee, adding that the disciplinary committee would also look into the case if Mohamad Norza was found guilty.
Mohamad Norza pleaded not guilty to two counts of corruption involving alleged vote-buying during the run-up to the party polls.
The 43-year-old is said to have committed the offences at No 38, Pinggiran Tasik, Taman Bandar Temerloh in Temerloh, Pahang on Jan 20.
He is charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which carries a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine of not less than five times the amount of bribes involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The Prime Minister said the charges against Mohamad Norza was evident that no one was above the law but reminded the people that they must also respect the due process of law.
“They have to allow the trial to take its course including what takes place inside the court, such as allowing the accused to defend himself and for (any) appeals to be filed,” Abdullah said after meeting National Muslim League Association members at the G-Hotel here yesterday.
On Batu Gantang Umno division Information head Ismail Safian being selected to contest in the upcoming Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election, Abdullah said he was seen as the best available candidate.
Responding to Sarawak Barisan Nasional’s announcement that it had agreed to field Malcolm Mussen anak Lamoh as its candidate in the Batang Ai state by-election, Abdullah said he had yet to receive any official notice from Sarawak regarding the candidate.
Asked about the meeting, Abdullah said the association raised concerns about retrenchments involving its members.
