Wednesday, February 10, 2010

June 23, 2008 14:14 PM

Isa Samad's Six-year Suspension From Umno Ends Today

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 ((Bernama) -- The six- year suspension slapped on former Umno vice-president Tan Sri Mohamed Isa Abdul Samad for money politics ends today.

An elated former Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar said he received a letter from the Umno headquarters on Friday informing him on the expiry of his suspension period.

Isa, who won the Umno vice-president's post in the 2004 party elections, was found guilty of the charge. His suspension took effect on June 24, 2005.

"I thanked God and only smiled when I received the letter," he told Bernama.

Asked whether he would make a comeback to active politics including vying for a post in the Umno elections in December, Mohamed Isa, who was Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar from 1982 to 2004, said he has not made any decision.

"I'm still thinking about my next move," he said.

The Umno Disciplinary Board suspended Isa, 58, for two terms or six years after finding him guilty on five of the nine charges of money politics during the 2004 party election.

Isa emerged top for the vice-president's post for the 2004/2007 term, garnering 1,507 votes, ahead of Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam and the then Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (now International Trade and Industry Minister).

Following the guilty verdict, Isa was suspended from all party posts including as Negeri Sembilan Umno chief and Teluk Kemang division head.

Isa's suspension was reduced from six to three years upon his appeal on July 6, 2005.

He resigned as Federal Territory Minister on Oct 17, 2005 following his suspension from Umno.

-- BERNAMA

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