Ex-MB: Disciplinary action a non issue

(The Star) PORT DICKSON: Former Umno vice-president Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad said the disciplinary action taken against him in 2005 for involvement in money politics would not be an issue if he was picked to contest the Bagan Pinang by-election.

Breaking his silence on the issue, the 59-year-old, who was Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar from 1982 to 2004, said it was a party matter and should not be used as fodder by the Opposition to question his credibility.

“The party took disciplinary action against me for that. But, that does not make me a criminal,” he said. “Look at the Opposition. They can even stand as candidates after being imprisoned. Some even became wakil rakyat while in prison,” he said to loud applause from Teluk Kemang Umno division members.

The Bagan Pinang seat became vacant following the death of Barisan Nasional assemblyman Azman Mohammad Noor on Sept 4.

Azman won the seat with a 2,333-vote majority in the 2008 general election against PAS’ Ramli Ismail. There are some 14,192 voters in the constituency.

The Umno disciplinary board suspended Mohd Isa for two terms or six years after finding him guilty of money politics during the 2004 party elections.

He had garnered the highest number of votes for the vice-president’s post at the elections.

His suspension, which took effect on June 24, 2005, was reduced to three years following an appeal on July 6, 2005.

Asked if it was true that the Teluk Kemang Umno division, which he helmed, had nominated him to contest the seat, Mohd Isa said the matter had not been finalised.

“We are looking at the profiles of the prospective candidates.”