MELAKA, March 18 (Bernama) -- Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam is appealing the Umno Disciplinary Board's decision barring him from contesting for the post of deputy president in the party elections next week.
"The appeal letter will be submitted today," the Umno vice-president told reporters at his residence, Seri Bendahara, here today.
Present were his wife, Datin Seri Asmah Abdul Rahman, Melaka Umno leaders and his supporters.
Umno Disciplinary Board chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen announced the decision yesterday after the board found Mohd Ali guilty of involvement in money politics.
Mohd Ali said that if his appeal was accepted he would be able to contest the post.
He said he would also submit the appeal letter to Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Asked how he felt about the punishment he said:" I have emphasised to the Disciplinary Board Committee that I'm innocent but the committee found me guilty, so I accept that with an open heart."
"I received the decision after returning from Ipoh yesterday. I did not expect it (punishment) but I accept it with an open heart."
On the different punishment meted out on Khairy Jamaluddin, the candidate for the Umno Youth chief's post who was let off with a warning, he said there was no need to compare because the method employed and the reason for the decision were also different.
Asked whether it was a conspiracy against him, he said he did not think so.
Mohd Ali said he would definitely attend the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur on March 24-28.
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