But critics in party question motives behind 'witch-hunt'
By acting decisively against a senior member of his own United Malays National Organisation (Umno), analysts say Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has finally shown the steel beneath his soft-spoken, fatherly manners.
In less than 48 hours, Umno senior vice-president and Federal Territory Minister Isa Samad, who was charged with buying votes in last September's Umno election, was summoned before a party disciplinary board, tried and found guilty and had his Umno membership suspended for six years.
The tough action - which virtually ends Mr Isa's 30-year political career - is expected to convince critics that Mr Abdullah has enough support within Umno to carry out his pledge to wipe out corruption, which has been officially identified as the country's No1 scourge.
Mr Isa's political secretary and another regional politician were each suspended for three years. Eight more middle-level leaders also face the axe.
Mr Isa will give up all his posts in Umno and the government if his appeal against the decision is rejected, as is expected.
'We want everyone to know that we are serious about cleaning up the party and the country,' Mr Abdullah said. 'I will not protect anybody, even one of my own.'
