Money politics and poison pen letters should never become a part of Gerakan's culture and party leaders must do their utmost to prevent that from happening, Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik stated today.

"We must reject these dirty tactics and reject the people who practiced them," he said in his presidential address at the 34th national delegates conference held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

To curb the menace, he announced the setting up of a special committee to investigate allegations of money politics and poison pen writing.

The committee, to be headed by party veteran Chan Choong Tak, will have executive power to act against any member found guilty of involvement in money politics and corruption.

The party president revealed that he had received complaints of state party leaders being involved in money politics during the state-level party elections.

"Those who practiced money politics are those with selfish interest. Such a practice, if proven to be true, must be condemned in Gerakan," he stressed.

Lim told a press conference later that money politics in the party has yet to be proven and "it is not at a 'serious' level".

Come forward

He urged those with concrete information about this unhealthy activity to forward it to the special committee for a thorough investigation to be carried out.

Members must not only talk about it but should take steps to help the party nib the menace in the bud, he added.

In his speech, the party president also outlined his views of an ideal party leader - a team player with good communication skill, good public relation sense and a good understanding of issues.

Last week, Lim openly criticised his once heir-apparent-turned-nemesis Kerk Choo Ting, saying that he had failed as a team player and that he had slowly drifted away from the party.

The president's 45-minute speech also touched on embracing a new Malaysian agenda which should promote a merit-based equality and focus on closing the widening gap of class disparity.

"The current system is too elitist. It enriches a few individuals but neglect the lower strata of the society where assistance is needed most," he added.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opened the assembly which also saw the attendance of Barisan Nasional leaders from its component parties.