Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wrapped up ruling party Umno's congress today with a warning to his Malay countrymen to shun corruption or risk losing political dominance.

Abdullah, who was officially endorsed on Thursday as Umno president, railed against "money politics" amid allegations of vote-buying at just-concluded top-level party polls.

"Take care of Umno. Umno is our political strength. We must avoid any problems that can weaken Umno. All these things, such as money politics, cannot be allowed to happen. Let Malays live with dignity," he said in a one-hour closing speech.

"Remember if we succeed, it doesn't mean we will be successful forever."

Umno heads the country's ruling coalition, which has been in power since independence from Britain in 1957.

Lack of evidence

Abdullah, who took over after Dr Mahathir Mohamad retired last October after 22 years in power, told reporters he was concerned about the vote-buying allegations.

"I view that with concern but what action can be taken if there's no evidence? We cannot take action based on perception," he said, adding however the party may tighten rules to curb corruption.

The surprise results Thursday for Umno's three vice-president posts and the defeat of some ministers in the supreme council, the top policy-making body, had given rise to claims of vote buying at the congress.

The three vice-presidents include Federal Territories Minister Isa Abdul Samad who was considered a rank outsider but pulled off a major surprise when he garnered the highest number of votes Thursday.