Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz had a go at former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad for insinuating that a candidate for deputy president was into money politics - saying that the octogenarian was too ‘celupar’ (big-mouthed).

mahathir satria talk 310508 talk Yesterday Dr Mahathir suggested that money politics has found its way to the party’s number two contest, to be decided in March party polls.

"I think there is a lot of hanky-panky going on. When you know that someone has a bad history is still getting support, I think that bad history has relevance to his support," he said without naming who the jibe was intended for.

It is widely seen as an attack on Rural and Regional Development Minister Muhammad Muhd Taib.

Nazri - a minister in the prime minister’s department - said the former premier should not be too ‘celupar’.

"This is very serious, he should not be too ‘celupar’ and claim things without any basis because the candidates and the parties will suffer the consequences," he said when met by reporters in Parliament today.

Muhammad is vying for the seat against favourite International Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin - who is Dr Mahathir’s choice - and Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam.

‘Show us the proof’

bar council debate on judicial commission 250407 nazri abd aziz Nazri feels Dr Mahathir should support his allegations.

"Show us the proof, and do not say things without any evidence. Such allegations are serious, and without any evidence, we still consider them as speculation. I hope he will be more responsible (with his statements) next time," said Nazri.

If there is proof, then Nazri implores people to come forward and report the matter.

"We need to teach these candidates a lesson, if they were involved in money politics, as we would not want a corrupt leader," said Nazri.

In a separate press conference, candidate Muhammad - who seemed unperturbed by Mahathir’s insinuations - stressed that the party should shun money politics.

muhammad mohd taib mat taib "I feel that the are many perceptions being voiced out lately. I hope that all the candidates follow the party advice in order to have a smooth party election next March.

"Whoever is involved in money politics, from here on in, stop doing so, be it the candidate or the delegate," he added.