A Kelantan Umno division chief whose three-year suspension for money politics was reduced to a written warning recently, is raring to return to work and help strengthen the party in the PAS-governed state.

Pasir Putih division chief Kamaruddin Md Noor told malaysiakini today he is anxious to resume his duties as the division chief.

I dont think success is due to only one person. Its a collective effort...and I am going back to work to help strengthen the state Umno, he said.

Kamarudin was among 27 Umno members, including division chiefs who appealed their suspension for breaching election ethics and money politics during last years division elections.

The partys appeal board revoked the suspension of three division leaders but upheld the punishment on the rest.

In Kamruddins case, the appeal board ruled that he be given a written warning instead. Due to this, the Umno leaders party post was not affected and he can continue as division chief.

The appeal boards decision was endorsed by the partys supreme council during a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Umno President Dr Mahathir Mohamad last Saturday.

Democratic principle

Following the partys decision to suspend Kamaruddin, it was reported that several party leaders in Kelantan had voiced their concern.

The suspension, the leaders claimed, would affect Umnos effort to wrest the state from the clutches of PAS.

Asked to comment on this, Kamaruddin said that Kelantan Umno always believed in teamwork

Another division chief who saw his suspension being reduced to a warning letter, was Terengganus Setiu division head Tengku Mahmud Mansor.

When contacted, Tengku Mahmud praised Umnos decision to set up an appeal board.

This also reflects the democratic principle practised by Umno. As such, they should respect and abide by the boards decision, he said.

Ten division chiefs nationwide have been suspended by Umnos disciplinary committee for breaching election ethics and money politics.