Just days after being found guilty of involvement in money politics in Umno, Kota Baru MP Zaid Ibrahim took an unprecedented step by taking his case up in Parliament.

Questioning the credibility of the Umno disciplinary board, he asked whether such a board has the right to take action outside the purview of the laws in the country.

"They do not have recognised and proper procedures but they seem to have the power of a court to accuse people of being involved in corrupt practices and then penalise them as criminals," he said.

"Should the government allow a disciplinary board to play the role of a court although it doesn't follow proper procedures of law?," he asked Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Aziz.

The MP who owns one of the biggest law firms in the country said if the government allows the disciplinary board of a political party to double as a court, this will eventually backfire on the government.

Last Thursday Zaid was found guilty of money politics by Umno disciplinary board but escaped with a warning.

He was found guilty of contravening Section 2.2 of Umno's code of ethics during last year's party elections by using an agent to campaign

Right to enforce rules

In an interview with malaysiakini yesterday he persisted his innocence and said that he is considering to quit from politics.

He said he has no faith in the disciplinary board and therefore will not appeal.

In his reply, Nazri said that any institution has the right to impose rules and regulations on its members.

However, he said that as Umno is seen as a major political party, whatever happens in the party will always be highlighted.

"I agree that we should have a body which can carry out its job following proper procedures and that there must have sufficient evidence before meting out penalties on those who erred," he added.