I refer to Malaysiakini report, A blatant lie, says former legal partner. The blunder of all blunders is the selection of a candidate whose character is anything but impeccable to contest the by-election at Permatang Pasir.

Before a candidate is even considered, a stringent vetting process is supposed to be done to make sure the candidate deserves to be elected as a people's representative of a constituency.

Even a slightest blot on his character can, and will, eventually raise a lot of questions as to why and how such a person was selected.

The party responsible for this, perhaps, convenient oversight, or deliberate action, cannot defend its actions by covering it up.

I'm sure the Bar Council would not disbar a person solely because they do not like him or
her. On the contrary, these governing bodies will only take the unavoidable action of striking out a person when a grave injustice or criminal act has been committed.

Even before such drastic action is taken, the person concerned is given a chance to explain why he or she should not be disbarred from practice.

It seems Umno leaders have totally lost their proper sense of direction; groping aimlessly with totally incomprehensible and preposterous reasons and justifications for their actions.

I'm of the opinion that these arrogant and callous actions of Umno will only further alienate and isolate them from the very people whom they claim to represent.

The people of Permatang Pasir have a choice of electing a not-so-clean candidate or one whose character is clean.

We want good, clean and trustworthy leaders not someone who may have good connections and power base.