I refer to the malaysiakini report Nazri: Umno members are immune to graft laws . I could not believe it when I read about Nazri's statement that Umno members are immune to graft laws.

'Political parties are associations for members only, hence positions in such organisations are not public posts. ACA can't come in because this (money politics) has nothing to do with the public. It does not affect public in the sense that it does not involve public projects or public funds'.

There is something very wrong in his reasoning. If Umno is just an ordinary association with a minimal number of members, nobody will bother unless it flouts its own rules and regulations filed with the Registrar of Societies.

But for a ruling political party which decides on who shall be prime minister and deputy prime minister, it has a lot to do with the public. Money politics within the party may not concern the public but the effects on the country cannot be taken lightly.

As it stands, the public has no say over what happens within the ruling party and who shall be the prime minister. It is therefore not surprising that the recent cases of abuse of power like the 'close one eye', 'AP cloning' and the 'no need for building plans' episodes seem to be handled with velvet gloves 'within the family'.

The prime minister and the Selangor menteri besar appear to be more concerned over their own positions within the party than public outcry over the blatant abuses of power and obvious corruption.

We have adequate laws but the enforcement reeks of double-standards. If Nazri's take is also the official Umno stand, then it is time for a change in our political system. Either Umno changes to suit the people, or sooner or later the people will decide where it should go.