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Wednesday 23 September 2009

Mahathir: Corruption-free candidate important for Bagan Pinang and beyond

SEREMBAN, Sept 22 — Umno should pick a candidate who is free of money politics for the Bagan Pinang state by-election, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

He believes that the Barisan Nasional can win the by-election on Oct 11 with a big majority because the seat is an Umno's stronghold.

Having corruption-free candidates would be a very important factor in Bagan Pinang as well as in the next general election, he told reporters after attending Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan's Aidilfitri open house in Rantau here.

"For me, it's not just this place. The people throughout Malaysia want to know whether we are serious about eradicating money politics, corruption and so forth," he said.

If Umno fields an candidate who is not clean, it might win in Bagan Pinang but would lose in other constituencies, he said.

He also feared that the party would lose badly in the 13th general election if the trend continues.

"I'm not thinking about individuals. I know everyone and I don't care about anyone but I'm thinking only of the party," he said.

The Bagan Pinang seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Azman Mohamad Noor of the BN on Sept 4. Nomination day is scheduled for Oct 3. — Bernama

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