PETALING JAYA - IN WHAT many will see as a political knifing, the candidate said to have been leading the race for Malaysian party Umno's deputy presidency - and hence the country's deputy premiership - has been abruptly barred from contesting.

Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam was yesterday deemed to be liable for the actions of his agents, who were found to have been involved in vote-buying activities.

His party membership was not suspended by the Umno disciplinary board, which suspended his political secretary, Mr Saadun Basirun, for three years.

Internal polls for Umno - Malaysia's dominant party - are due next week, where Deputy PrimeMinister Najib Razak will also be anointed the new party chief.

Yet, though considered the preferred candidate of outgoing president and Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Mr Mohd Ali emerged as surprise frontrunner for the No. 2 slot.

He had a vast network of supporters at the grassroots level and was well-liked.

Mr Najib's presumed favourite, Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, was believed to be falling behind.

The situation is said to have stirred unease among powerful Umno figures, who found Mr Mohd Ali wanting in various respects, such as being lacking in his command of English.

In the lead-up to yesterday's bombshell, rumours flew that he had been told to withdraw or be forced out of the race.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin is now set to romp to victory - his remaining opponent, Rural Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, is considered a no-hoper.

Also yesterday, Datuk Seri Abdullah's son-in-law, Mr Khairy Jamaluddin, was given a warning letter for breaching campaign rules. He is vying for the post of Umno Youth chief, though straw polls suggest he is trailing former Selangor menteri besar Mohd Khir Toyo.

Mr Mohd Khir was exonerated by the disciplinary board yesterday.

A third contender for Youth chief is Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad.

Yesterday, Mr Najib laid down the party line concerning Mr Mohd Ali's downfall: "Umno must be seen as a clean party and it cannot afford to be rejected by the people."

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