It is a challenging period, says Ali Rustam

(The Malaysian Insider) — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam has described his disqualification from contesting the Umno deputy presidency as the most challenging period of his involvement in the party.

He said, however, he accepted the decision with an open mind as he was sincere in his commitment to the party, the people and the country.

"What is most important, we are guided by our purpose. This is my belief, that is why whatever happened to me, I am ready to face it," he told reporters after attending a wedding reception at Taman Saujana Indah, Bukit Katil today.

Mohd Ali, 59, who was going for the Umno deputy president’s post, was barred from contesting in the party polls after the party's disciplinary board found him guilty of breaching party ethics on money politics on Tuesday.

The Umno appeals panel yesterday unanimously rejected Mohd Ali's appeal against the decision to bar him from contesting in party elections next week.

Asked whether he was disappointed with the appeal panel's decision, he said: "I was ready to accept whatever decision with an open heart. Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is not so good, sometimes it is challenging."

Mohd Ali, who joined Umno when he was 18, said he stayed calm as he had gone through turmoil in the party.

Asking his supporters to remain calm, he said he would continue to carry out his duty in the party and the government, and attend the Umno general assembly next week.

With him ousted from the contest for the deputy presidency, he asked the delegates to chose wisely between the two contenders — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.

"We are first among friends, whoever wins be a good leader, whoever loses be a good follower, only then the party will be safe," he said.

Mohd Ali urged Umno members give their full support to incoming president Datuk Seri Najib Razak to enable the new leadership to strengthen the party and the government for the betterment of the people. — Bernama