PAU2020: Not UMNO but individuals taking bribes who are guilty

KUALA LUMPUR: Over the past few years, one UMNO leader after another has been investigated and charged in court for abuse of power and corruption.

The development has led to unpleasant rumours about the party, which is more than 60 years old.

The question is, should UMNO be linked to elements of corruption when the alleged leaders are a few?

For UMNO Youth Exco, Aizat Azam, the party needs to take action against every leader convicted of abuse of power and corruption.

"If we really want to show that UMNO has changed, UMNO is fighting for the issue of integrity, UMNO rejects the practice of money in the party's journey, we must take action against anyone, including any leader who has been convicted of abuse of power and money," he said to Astro AWANI.

Chairman of Terengganu UMNO Liaison Body, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, on the other hand, stressed that in the issue of corruption, UMNO was never wrong, only individuals who did it were guilty.

“This question depends on the individual, not the party that is guilty. The party has done nothing wrong except the individuals who are guilty.

"If a person takes a bribe, it is their personal attitude, not the party's," he said.

UMNO Youth Exco, Bastien Onn, on the other hand, stressed that despite being plagued by corruption issues, the courts are the best medium for UMNO leaders to clear their names.

He said the reality now is they seem to be guilty even though their case is being tried in court.

“I see the need for justice for those who are being tried because the community has a perception that they are guilty before being tried.

"Only the court provides the best space," he said.

The same thing was voiced by other UMNO leaders who stressed that the message of fighting corruption should reach everyone, both to the grassroots and leaders at the highest level.

"We need to prevent it ourselves. Although there are laws that restrict this, but we see if there is an understanding between them to legalize it, this will also make this matter continue,” said Kota Melaka UMNO Women Chief, Haryaty Hamdzah.

“UMNO needs to do in terms of transparency of every Member of Parliament and this can be seen through the practice of money politics is avoided.

“It means if there are groups approaching, offering, the matter needs to be informed, announced and reported.

"If it is not reported, then we see this matter will be difficult to curb," said UMNO Youth Exco, Hafiz Ariffin.