(Petaling Jaya, Tuesday): Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is politically pathetic that his supporters can be so easily bribed for a mere RM 200 and Pak Lah’s national anti-corruption campaign in jeorpardy if he can not wipe out money politics within his own party. Mahathir claimed that a menu and RM 200 caused his defeat to be a delegate for the Kubang Pasu Umno divisional elections on 9.9.2006.

DAP agrees with Tun that money politics is pervasive within UMNO. Tun has to share some of the blame because he was responsible for the system and did not take steps to eliminate bribery of delegates within UMNO during his 22 years in power as UMNO President and Prime Minister. Money politics is not an internal UMNO problem because as the ruling party, there will be wide implications for the country.

How can Pak Lah be committed and serious about his national anti-corruption campaign if he can not wipe out corruption within his own party. All the rhetoric about integrity and Pelan Integriti Nasional would not be effective as long as there is double-standards. Pak Lah has to finally decided whether he is serious about wiping out corruption as to do so may lead to the end of UMNO but not to do so may lead to the end of the country.

The time has come for Pak Lah to revive his anti-corruption campaign to fulfill his 2004 general election pledges and establish his legacy as a Prime Minister who not only improves the delivery system in government but also delivers on his promises. Pak Lah would create history by persisting with this campaign despite threatening his own political party.  

DAP also praises the resilience of Tun Dr Mahathir to continue to speak and expose the misdeeds of the present government despite the numerous attempts to silence him. His willingness to speak up by saying that “the only way they can stop me is to throw me in jail” will be welcomed by those who seek greater democratic space and promote accountability and transparency. DAP assures Tun that should the present government be so foolhardy as to detain him, DAP would launch a national campaign on his behalf to seek his release. 

(12/09/2006)