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The New UMNO Line-up Questions UMNO's Commitment Towards Datuk Abdullah Badawi Fight Against Corruption And Money Politics Press Statement by Lim Guan Eng (Petaling Jaya, Friday): The headlines in UMNO-controlled newspapers today like New Straits Times and Berita Harian expressing shock at the results of the 3 new vice-president and Supreme Council members was felt not only by UMNO members but by all Malaysians. However the fallout from such shocking results is not just limited to personalities and personal factions within UMNO. Of more importance to Malaysians is whether the new UMNO line-up puts into risk UMNO's commitment towards Prime Minister Datuk Abdullah Badawi's fight against corruption and money politics. There is no doubt that from the results last night, Datuk Abdullah Badawi faces enormous challenges in carrying out his political agenda. Clearly the election of new UMNO leaders at all levels from the Vice-President to the Supreme Council members who have not been in the forefront of the fight against money politics and corruption can be read as a reaction by UMNO against the Prime Minister. Whether the Prime Minister can still be as effective and successful in the fight against money politics and corruption must depend on his personal commitment in the face of a new UMNO team that is lukewarm at best with his political agenda. DAP wishes to congratulate Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for being elected as UMNO President and Deputy President. DAP hopes that Datuk Seri Abdullah's promise of a just and trustworthy government with cultural and moral integrity will not remain as empty words. Inaction when so many corruption reports have been lodged is just not acceptable. DAP is willing to join hands with the Prime Minister to battle corruption to ensure that action is taken against those responsible regardless of their position. (24/9/2004) * Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General