One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel. (Though Umno has to date, found six in their quest to end money politics within the party). A clich, but it aptly describes the situation created by the rouge leaders who deceived party members, supporters and the masses into believing that their victories were achieved following absolute mandate secured in the form of votes from their respective divisional electorate.

Any responsible Malaysian would, in my opinion, find no difficulty to welcome moves by political parties in eradicating elements of unethical conduct by its members as long as it is done in good faith.

The six recently punished by Umno's disciplinary committee seemed to indicate the latter's seriousness in stopping the menace, but the question is, what about the rest?

While the action taken against them was speedy, what took them so long to act on those with positions in the government and those seen to be close or aligned to particular leaders of the ruling elite?

I am sure, Umno wants 'clean' or at least 'seen clean' leaders at all levels but can this objective be achieved if there is no readiness on their part to investigate and subsequently punish those found guilty irrespective of their positions in the party and government?

Personally, I find it hard to believe that Umno is now 'clean' or 'seen clean' from money politics until and unless the process of 'cleaning' is taken more seriously.

It looks like the process of 'cleaning' Umno will take a very long time before it reaches the highest level. Until then, the image of Umno will continue to be seen as tarnished.

I am not too concerned over what is happening in Umno, the party I left in 1998. What bothers me most is the fact that since Umno and its coalition partners are still the legitimate government of the day, the presence of the said leaders in the cabinet line-up, if left unchecked, would cost the people and country dearly.

It has now become pertinent for Malaysians to be more observant and analytical, especially over controversial issues, and continue to stay united in our struggle to fight against injustice, corruption, abuse of power, etc.

God willing, it will only take little persuasion for the majority of the people, be it supporters or sympathisers, to translate their support into votes for the alternative front in the coming elections.

We certainly have to fall, trip ourselves up and make mistakes as we head towards political maturity.