The Anti-Corruption Agency aims to wrap up by year-end its investigations into cases of money politics that allegedly took place during the recent Umno divisional elections across the country.

Its investigation unit director, Mohd Shukri Abdul, revealed that the probe into the vote-buying allegations is about 90 percent completed, and is optimistic that it will be wrapped up within the next three weeks.

"We hope to submit the reports in early January to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action," Shukri told journalists after attending a state ACA invitational shooting tournament in Georgetown today.

mohd shukri abdul aca investigation director 080408 So far, some 90 ACA investigation papers have been opened based on allegations from sources on various forms of corrupt practices during the Umno's month-long divisional elections from Oct 9.

Shukri, however, declined comment when asked to reveal details of the ACA probe so far, such as the number of prima facie cases, involvement of prominent Umno personalities and the state with highest number of cases.

But he dropped hints that most allegations were of substance, and anticipates fresh allegations to emerge from now until the party polls next March.

"We will do our part and investigate all allegations reported to us," he assured, adding that it was up to the AG's Chambers to initiate further action.

It is learnt that the ACA managed to expedite its investigations because the probes did not involve a lot of documentation and involved one-on-one interrogation of relevant individuals.

Amount depends on position

Besides holding elections during the annual divisional meetings, delegates also nominated candidates to contest top posts at the upcoming party general assembly.

Money politics has been such a bane in Umno that vice-president Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin and former president and ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad have warned that, if left unchecked, corruption would decimate the party by the next general election.

In his blog, Mahathir even claimed that the Umno disciplinary committee had received over 900 complaints on alleged money politics.

According to an Umno delegate in Penang, a candidate for a top divisional post - such as chairperson, deputy chairperson and vice- chairperson - needs to spend nearly RM300,000 to ensure success. This includes organising meals at posh restaurants and hotels, and paying cash to buy votes.

"If you don't have that much money, you can kiss your chances goodbye," he told Malaysiakini, adding that the amount of the bribe varies according to a delegate's influence and position.

bukit anatarabangsa landslide pdrm aerial photographs 101208 On the possibility of an ACA probe into the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide, Shukri said the agency has not received any complaints or reports so far to initiate a probe.

He called on anyone with substantial claims on malpractices in connection with the disaster to forward their complaints for the agency to investigate.

Although he agreed that ACA can voluntarily start a probe based on press reports, he said there has been no substantial evidence to warrant this as yet.

"But we are open about it. We will investigate if we receive any evidence, complaints or information on graft in connection with the tragedy," he said.

On Tuesday, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim had called on the government to probe whether there was corrupt practice when Bukit Antarabangsa development projects were approved by the previous Selangor government.