Umno vice-president Mohd Isa Abdul Samad today faced the disciplinary board to answer allegations of misconduct during the party polls last September.

Isa, who is also federal territory minister, arrived at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur at 9 am to face charges of money politics and breaching the party's code of ethics.

According to Bernama , at today's hearing, the board will take his statements after the official charges against him had been read.

Isa, who wore a beige bush jacket, arrived at the main entrance of the party headquarters in an official car, a black Proton Perdana Executive V6, accompanied by a personal bodyguard.

As soon as he alighted from the car, he was welcomed by a group of 20 to 30 people, believed to be his supporters.

Isa also managed to brave a smile for reporters and photographers, including those from Singapore, as he was greeted by his supporters and several officers from his ministry.

Accompanied by several supporters, he then took a special VIP lift.

More than 10 uniformed guards were deployed at the main entrance and only those with special approval and special passes were allowed to go up.

Media coverage was restricted to the main entrance.

No comment

When asked by reporters on the meeting later, Isa merely said: "Subjudice."

"I can't say anything. I can't comment on the matter," he said, as he walked towards his car.

Asked on his "absence from public functions," of late, he said: "I am a Malaysian, I have not disappeared anywhere."

Initial reports had stated that several Umno leaders would be called up today to face the disciplinary board over similar charges.

It was also reported that as much as seven tribunals will be formed to hear the cases.

In the last Umno elections, Isa had won the vice-presidency with the highest number of votes and following this, several quarters had accused him of money politics.