Umno supreme council member Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik has claimed that some who had lodged complaints about money politics during the recent party polls have been ostracised and denounced as traitors for revealing the matter.

Bernama quoted him as saying that they should not have been criticised for revealing incidents of money politics.

Expressing disappointment, the former Malacca chief minister said the complainants should instead be appreciated for offering information.

"We want to stamp out money politics, but it is not easy to do so. The leadership must value those who made reports for the risks they have taken in revealing wrongdoing," he said.

Abdul Rahim said appreciation could be shown in any manner, in order to encourage members to come forward with information on money politics.

He further said the decisions of the Umno disciplinary board should not be deemed inaccurate or unfair in any quarter in order to politicise the issue.

Abdul Rahim pointed out that the boar has a full mandate to conduct its investigations and that its members comprise professionals with a legal background.

He was speaking to reporters at a thanksgiving gathering to celebrate the victory of Umno Malacca candidates in the party polls held last month.

The gathering was sponsored by community leaders and non-governmental organisations in the Kota Melaka constituency. Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam, who had won one of the three vice-presidents' posts, was also present.

The issue of money politics has been intensely debated throughout the polls at divisional, branch and central levels. To date, more than 22 members and leaders at division and branch levels have been subjected to disciplinary action.

However, the allegations peaked during the last days of campaigning for the vice-presidents' posts and supreme council seats, and spilled over into the weeks after the polls.