Ali to comment on his ban today from Malacca

(The Star) – Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam will hold a press conference in Malacca today on the Umno disciplinary board’s decision to bar him from contesting in party polls.

“I have to verify first if an announcement has indeed been made concerning what you have all just mentioned.

“And I will make a statement tomorrow (today) in Malacca,’’ he said.

When pressed if he would appeal against the decision, Mohd Ali repeated that he would be making a statement today.

“Kalau silap komen, susah juga (It would not be good if I commented wrongly),’’ Mohd Ali said at a meet-the-candidates session here yesterday.

News of Mohd Ali’s ban from the polls had caused a buzz midway during the function earlier.

Earlier, Ali had denied he was barred but the reaction by those at the function merely confirmed that his bid for the party’s No. 2 post had ended prematurely.

There were endless hugs and handshakes, and pats on the back, from other party leaders while the crowd cheered him on, chanting his name and “Hidup Tok Ali”.