None of the undercover agents appointed by the Umno headquarters to check on money politics during the recent party polls have submitted reports to this effect, to the surprise of members who have been hearing of allegations.

"The whole of Umno is talking about the buying of votes ... but to date, not even one official report has been made to the disciplinary board, not even by the agents ... that is most surprising," said a source.

In anticipation of intensity of campaigning for the vice-presidential posts and supreme council seats, the headquarters had announced the appointment of undercover agents to observe and report on wrongdoing and money politics.

The allegations continued, especially after the shocking results for the vice-presidents' posts during the elections on Sept 23 at the general assembly.

Federal Territory Minister Isa Abdul Samad garnered the most number of votes to emerge a surprise victor, followed by Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam.

An incumbent, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, only managed to secure third place. Another incumbent, Muhammad Muhd Taib, lost his post when he came in fourth.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Mustapa Mohamed, who had early on been tipped as a good prospect to win one of the three posts, also lost with the fifth highest total.

Two other candidates, Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and Shahrir Samad were placed sixth and seventh respectively.

No complaint

Following his defeat, Adnan was particularly strident in alleging that money politics had occurred throughout the campaigning period. Yesterday, however, he declined to lodge an official complaint so as not to threaten the position of his friends who had won.

Muhd Taib has said that he would have been successful in defending his post if not for vote- buying activities.

The source pointed out: "If Adnan and Muhammad have said so, there must have been money politics... if Adnan does not want to report the matter... but how about the agents appointed by the headquarters do so?"

Some quarters now think that no agents had been appointed at all to spy on behalf of the headquarters, according to the source.

"The announcement was only made to scare the candidates and their campaign managers from getting involved in money politics. The issue has already caused a major uproar and will be difficult for any party to cover up," he added.

"Deputy president Najib Abdul Razak has asked those with proof to complain about money politics... that is a good move... but at the same time, the headquarters should investigate whether or not the agents carried out their duties."