The Umno disciplinary board indicated today that there were no new complaints against other members of the supreme council for money politics, scotching widespread rumours of a second 'big fish' waiting to be hauled in.

"I made a statement on April 8 this year that if anyone had complaints regarding money politics, (they would have) to make it before April 18," said its chairperson Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail.

"The board has not received any complaints against committee members who participated or were successful in the last (party) elections," he added.

He said this during a press conference held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon to formally announce vice-president (VP) Mohd Isa Abdul Samad's suspension from post and party for six years.

Pressed by reporters, he refused to acknowledge questions [see below] as to whether action will be taken against other 'big names', specifically another VP and Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam ( right ).

Speculation had been rife that he would be next to be sanctioned for alleged money politics during the Umno elections last September.

'No ulterior motives'

Asked if Mohd Isa ( left ) has lodged an appeal, Tengku Rithauddeen said the appeals panel would be the right body to answer that.

However, he dismissed the notion that the investigations - since last October - and disciplinary action were motivated by witch-hunting, revenge or political motives.

"It was not a personal vendetta against him. We conducted the investigations thoroughly and took our time to check the facts. He was also given the chance to present his defence," he said.

Mohd Isa had presented himself before the disciplinary board last Thursday to answer allegations of misconduct and breach of the party code of ethics. He presented a written statement of defence, but the contents have not been revealed.

Asked to comment on the view that the sentence appeared heavy, he said "the punishment fits the crime".

Tengku Rithaudddeen told party members not to be afraid to approach the board to lodge complaints against corrupt members and leaders.

"We give witnesses immunity. They should not be fearful," he said, adding that action will not be taken against witnesses who have received money.

The board will no longer receive complaints on money politics in relation to the last party election.

Tengku Rithauddeen said that, as of June 27, a total of 69 party members had been found guilty of election offences.

Fifty were suspended for three years, two were for six years and one for two years. Sixteen were let off with a warning. A total of 33 appeals have been lodged to date.

Kota Baru division chief Zaid Ibrahim has been barred for three years for indiscipline, after questioning the board's decision to issue him a warning letter for breach of election rules.

In a related development, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today urged Mohd Isa to withdraw from all his party posts.

Abdullah, who is also Umno president, said he was sad because Mohd Isa was involved in money politics.

"I'm also sad that (Mohd) Isa was involved in money politics and that he had been punished by the (Umno) disciplinary board.

"As such, he has to step down from all posts in the party," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Question: Are there more (Umno) vice-presidents or supreme council members to be charged following this?

Rithauddeen: I made a statement on April 8, 2005 saying that whomever wished to lodge a report on money politics should make it before April 18. That means till now the board has not received any complaints or allegations against supreme council members who contested or were successful (in the last party elections).

Are you saying this is the final investigation prior to the upcoming Umno general assembly?

I made a statement on April 8 saying that whomever wished to lodge a complaint on money politics should make it before April 18. I said just now that there were no reports even though my notice said it must be done within 11 days.

Will the board conduct its own investigation into various allegations which were not reported?

I just said I gave all members till April 18 to come forward with their report. We cannot think about why it should be made so late after the incident actually happened. Here I leave it to you to reach your own conclusions.

As there have not been other reports, will no action be taken against (Melaka Chief Minister) Mohd Ali Rustam?

You ask me a question about something which did not come out of my mouth. I know you're trying to get me to confirm. I am not ready to answer it. If you say that is the case, think whatever you want.

Can you confirm that no other vice-presidents or supreme council members will be called up?

I said I don't want to answer that. I just said that I gave notice to lodge reports till April 18.

Is there truth to rumours that charges against a senior party leader have been dropped?

I have not heard any (rumours). I cannot answer that question. I don't know. Perhaps you should ask someone else. I am only responsible to chair the board and perform duties within its powers.

This means no other reports were lodged against other vice-presidents before April 18?

No other vice-presidents... all supreme council members. That's what I said.

Has the board completed all its investigations on the supreme council?

If that's your conclusion... (This is) the same question presented in another way.

You have said this today, but when the same question was posed to you prior to April 18, you denied it. Then there is the case of Mohd Isa...

Did I say that? What you're saying is not true.

The whole country wants to know if there will be other cases to follow...

I have answered that. I don't want to answer it (again). You can make your own conclusions.

So that means, no more?

(I) don't know- lah . That's what you say.