Seven candidates, including a former Penang deputy chief minister and a former assemblyperson, have been barred from contesting for various positions in Umno.

NONEThe list of banned candidates for Penang was released today by state Umno secretary Musa Sheikh Fadzir (left in picture).

Former deputy chief minister Abd Rashid Abdullah, who is contesting the Nibong Tebal division chief’s post, and former Sungai Dua assemblyperson Jasmin Mohamed, who is vying for the Tasek Gelugor chief’s post, have been barred pending investigations.

State Umno liaison chief Zainal Abidin Osman has won the Nibong Tebal division chief post uncontested.

Asked the reasons for their suspensions, Musa told a press conference at Menara Umno today: “For sabotaging the party in the last (May 5) general election.

“Investigations are still on-going but these individuals are not allowed to contest.”

The other five are Mahamad Tahir Yusof (contesting for Tasek Gelugor chief’s post) and Dr Md Rozi Yusof,  Salmah Ahmad, Azmidy Mohamad and Rahim Che Noor, who are all contesting for the Tasek Gelugor committee members’ posts.

Tasek Gelugor was a headache for Umno in the last general election as its candidate was challenged by veteran leader Shariff Omar in a three-cornered fight with PAS.

Those banned from contesting in the internal Umno election are most likely aligned to Shariff, also a former Penang deputy chief minister, who had declared himself “Pakatan-friendly” during that time.

Election rules 'too tight'?

Meanwhile, Musa lamented on the “tight” Umno election rules which had been issued by the party’s election centre.

“Hope we can loosen the rules a bit,” he said.

Musa said the rules include “abusing power to motivate, influence or force voters to vote for a candidate”.

Others include giving incentives to determine votes, using violence, threats or force in getting votes and issuing articles, directly or indirectly, that contain elements to support, slander, insult or lie about candidates.

Regarding incentives, Musa said, “This means that you cannot give flowers or gifts even if that person is your darling (kekasih).”

On issuing of articles on one’s candidacy, Musa said candidates can comment on current political issues but not directly on their candidacy.

In another development, state Umno election director Daud Taha said there are concerns over 32 candidates who pulled out from the contest, though some were vying for division head posts.

“Why are they withdrawing at the last minute? Didn’t they think about the matter before putting in their applications?” Daud asked.

“There are those who are vying for the division head posts who have also withdrawn from the election. They should have thought about it three months before putting in their applications,” he said.

Some 4,800 delegates in Penang will vote for their Wanita and Youth leaders on Oct 12, simultaneously with other states, while Oct 19 is fixed for division chiefs and supreme council posts.