Graft charge hits Malaysia ruling party polls

Prosecutors charged a top ruling party official with bribery Friday, sending shock waves through Malaysias political ranks ahead of party elections that many fear will be marred by corruption. Norza Zakaria, a member of the United Malays National Organisation partys policy-making Supreme Council, is the highest-ranking party official ever to face political graft charges.
He is accused of bribing others to help him defend his post in party elections scheduled for later this month. The party posts are hugely coveted because they are considered a springboard to lucrative business contracts and for appointments in the Cabinet and government organisations. Norza, 43, pleaded innocent in a Magistrates Court to two charges of giving bribes totalling 3,400 ringgit ($920) to two party members on January 20.
The court released him on bail and scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 22. Corruption convictions in Malaysia typically carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years. It was not immediately clear whether Norza would still be able to contest the March 24-28 elections to choose dozens of top party office-bearers.
The charge comes amid reports of a separate investigation by Malaysias newly revamped anti-graft watchdog into bribery allegations that have been linked to a prominent minister who is also defending a Supreme Council seat. For years, some members have alleged that candidates pay massive sums to voters or fete them at elaborate feasts to secure support.
In past years, the accusations rarely led to court prosecution. But the ruling party has pledged to curtail corruption in a bid to revive public support after a disastrous performance in general elections last month. Nevertheless, opposition leaders say graft remains rife in the government and that those targeted by corruption probes appear to be victims of internal power struggles. Norza is considered an ally of outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is slated to hand power to Najib Razak, the current deputy premier, soon after the party elections.