An opposition leader lodged a police report today after receiving a copy of a letter containing graft allegations against an Umno division head.

DAP Youth chief Teng Chang Khim said the letter claimed that Zakaria Mat Derus, who heads the Umno Klang division, was involved in corrupt practices during the division elections last year.

He said the letter dated May 10, 2001, was signed by the former division deputy chief, Mokhtar Padil, and addressed to Umno disciplinary committee chairman, Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen.

Teng who is also the state assemblyperson for Bandar Klang lodged the report at the Klang police station this morning.

In his report, Teng said the letter accused Zakaria, who is also Barisan Nasional state assemblyperson for Klang Selatan, of offering government land to 38 party branch chiefs in order to obtain nomination and support for his bid to be the division head.

Five members of Zakaria's family were also among those said to have received plots of land.

Money politics

The Umno leader was also alleged to have given between RM300 and RM500 to branch chiefs and other party delegates.

The third allegation referred to a dinner party hosted by Zakaria for some 80 Wanita Umno delegates.

Teng said the letter was delivered anonymously to his office in Klang yesterday.

If the accusations are true, he said Zakaria would have committed a crime under Section 10 and 11 of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997.

He added that the Umno disciplinary committee had investigated the matter and found Zakaria guilty of corruption but did not reveal the charges.

Teng said the issue is of public interest and not merely a party matter, as it involved the distribution of government land.

Zakaria could not be reached for comment.