Che Johan: Nik Aziz legacy must end

Che Johan Che Pa, the Barisan Nasional candidate who pulled out of the Pasir Mas race at the very last minute on Saturday, was brought to face the Umno disciplinary board to explain his actions today.

The Pasir Mas deputy division chief spent about an hour plus putting forth his case before the board, headed by Umno Disciplinary Board Special Committee chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen Tengku Ismail.

It is not known what actions, if any, will be taken against Che Johan.

Under the party constitution, Che Johan may face several disciplinary action including being sacked, suspended, given a warning, or any other action deemed appropriate by the board.

In a press conference following his hearing, Che Johan stressed that his actions to withdraw prematurely was one of personal “sacrifice” for the party to destroy Pas at the seat.

"It’s not about any other invididuals, this case is not about any payments or any deals with anyone. Don’t link this the the party or with Ibrahim Ali(Incumbent Pasir Mas MP),” said Che Johan.

Che Johan said that the speculation that it was a planned exercise by the central Umno-BN body was illogical as BN would not easily sacrifice a deputy division chief, and would not be calling him to explain his actions if that were the case.

Asked why he failed to inform to the party leadership about his decision, he said that he had made a personal decision that did not involve the party.

He reiterated that he did not want to give any advantage to Pas, which he said would “continue with politics of hate, racism, and misusing religion” through Pas deputy youth chief Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.

"(Pas spiritual leader) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is already old and is on his way out.. I don’t want to see his son continuing his bad legacies,” he said.

These legacies, claimed Che Johan, include miusing religion in politics, supporting DAP which was anti-Malay.

“These are peole who pray for the end to Umno, calling BR1M recipients animals, getting to Putrajaya is a holy order from Allah, and that eating pork with Kit Siang is prefarable to eating chicken with Najib!”

On Saturday, Che Johan’s withdrawal paved the way for Pasir Mas incumbent Datuk Ibrahim Ali who is contesting on an independent ticket in a straight fight against Nik Abduh.

On Monday, Umno issued Che Johan a show cause letter for failing to send in his nomination form despite being named the BN candidate.

The disciplinary actions under clause 20.8 of the Constitution, for failing to follow the party's orders or fail to carry out the party's policies.

This is the first time that a candidate receiving an appointment letter from the BN chairman, Datuk Seri Najib Razak has failed to field himself, despite turning up at the nomination centre.

The decision by the Umno disciplinary board will likely set a precedent on the actions against future candidates who does the same.

Che Johan declined to comment on Ibrahim’s suitability as a candidate and whether there was a possibility.