Amid allegations of money politics in yesterday's Umno elections, party deputy president Najib Abdul Razak called on all Umno members to accept and respect the results as it was a mandate from the delegates.

"The delegates had made their decision. Now it is up to us to accept the results and work as a team to support the party president and further strengthen the party," he told reporters at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) where the Umno general assembly is held.

Najib also asked the delegates not to speculate on money politics but to concentrate on the mandate instead. "Those elected have a heavy responsibility on their shoulders," he stressed.

"At the moment, I cannot say anything about money politics," the newly-minted Umno deputy president said, adding that party members should not be suspicious about the results.

Asked whether the results came as a surprise, Najib was evasive in his reply but said that "this time it is hard to make any predication but the decision already made must be respected by all."

Newcomers Isa Abdul Samad and Mohd Ali Rustam and incumbent Muhyiddin Yassin secured the three vice-president slots.

Talks of money politics started making their rounds today following the unexpected resounding victory secured by Federal Territory Minister Isa Samad for the veep post.

Working with the elected

Asked about Isa's victory, Najib described the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar as a veteran politician who has rapport with many Umno members.

To another question on whether the new line-up has given any message to the party, Najib said he did not know whether there is any hidden message.

"I don't know, I don't know if there is any message. But the delegates had decided and I am looking forward to working with those elected,"he said.

Asked if there would be changes to the cabinet line-up following the defeat of a few ministers, Najib stressed that the appointment of ministers was the prerogative of the prime minister.

Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh and Home Minister Azmi Khalid all lost in the contest for supreme council seats. They were incumbents.


Umno polls chart