Ex-deputy CM barred in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah is among seven Umno candidates in Penang who have been barred from contesting in the party elections.

State Umno secretary Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said their memberships had also been suspended due to several reasons, including allegedly sabotaging the party during the 13th general election.

He added that the Umno disciplinary board was still investigating the seven individuals.

“According to a letter dated Sept 20 I received, they have lost their eligibility as Umno members. They cannot contest for any post until the investigation is completed,” he said yesterday.

Abdul Rashid was supposed to contest against state Umno chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman for the Nibong Tebal Umno division chairman’s post.

It was announced last Saturday that Zainal Abidin had won the post unopposed.

Others barred are former Sungai Dua assemblyman Jasmin Mohamed, who was supposed to contest the Tasek Gelugor division chairman’s post.

The others are Mahamad Tahir Yusof (also contesting the Tasek Gelugor chief’s post) and Dr Md Rozi Yusof, Salmah Ahmad, Azmidy Mohamad and Rahim Che Noor, who are all contesting for the Tasek Gelugor committee members’ posts.

When contacted, Abdul Rashid, 65, said he received a letter on his suspension on Wednesday. “I’m surprised over the allegations against me. It means Zainal Abdidin is afraid to contest against me.

Abdul Rashid said he would seek an explanation over his suspension.

Musa also announced that 32 other candidates had withdrawn from contesting in party elections after submitting their nominations last Saturday.

He said the final announcement would only be made on Oct 7.