An Umno vice-presidential candidate was allegedly called to face the party management board in connection with activities that breached the guidelines and code of ethics for the party polls next month.

According to sources, the candidate was 'advised and reminded' during the meeting.

"We were informed that the meeting took place almost two months ago... and it was a meeting to advise the candidate about the matter," they said.

The sources declined to reveal what "activities" the candidate had been involved in but malaysiakini learned that he had paid for an advertisement connected with the re-appointment of a former top Umno leader.

The candidate was also said to have paid for another advertisement regarding activities of an organisation which he heads.

According to the polls guidelines, candidates are not allowed to place any form of advertisements as that is considered as campaigning.

Candidates are also barred from distributing pamphlets, writing books or holding large receptions.

However, those contesting can be interviewed by the media as long as they do not malign, belittle or attack other candidates.

Eight candidates are contesting the three vice-president posts including two incumbents, Muhyiddin Yasin and Muhammad Muhd Taib.

The rest are Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mustapa Mohamed, Johor Baru MP Shahrir Samad, Federal Territories Minister Isa Samad and Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar withdrew from the race in order to concentrate on winning a Supreme Council seat even though he had qualified to contest for vice-presidency.

'Big Gun'

Meanwhile, the sources said they were not sure as to the identity of the 'big gun', whom Umno secretary-general Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said will face the disciplinary board over charges of money politics.

"At this stage, we are not sure who this person is. As far as we know, no one is saying anything about it," they said.

On Sunday, Radzi said Umno 'undercover agents' had detected several candidates, including a high-ranking individual, engaging in money politics

However, he declined to confirm whether the 'big gun' was a vice-presidential candidate.

Aside from vice-presidency, 50 candidates are contesting for seats on the Supreme Council. Based on the nominations received from the divisional level, a close contest is expected between the candidates from the ranks of menteris besar and those who are ministers or deputy ministers.

Five menteris besar and five cabinet ministers are currently topping the popularity list.

The menteris besar are Dr Mohd Khir Toyo (Selangor), Syed Razak Syed Zain (Kedah), Musa Aman (Sabah), Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali (Perak) and Muhammad Hassan (Negeri Sembilan).

Those who are from the ranks of ministers and deputy ministers are Aziz Shamsudin, Mohamed Khalid Nordin, Abdul Khadir Sheikh Fadzir, Datuk Shafie Afdal and Zahid Hamidi.