UMNO VP quits over corruption<\/p>\n
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The resignation of a senior Malaysian
\npolitician, who faces trial for trying to take almost US$1
\nmillion out of Australia, was the latest step in a campaign
\nagainst corruption in rapidly-growing Malaysia.<\/p>\n
Muhammad Muhammad Taib, a vice president of Prime Minister
\nMahathir Mohamad's political party, quit as chief minister of
\ncentral Selangor state on Saturday.<\/p>\n
He was detained at Brisbane International Airport on Dec. 22
\nafter the equivalent of US$940,000 in cash was found in his
\nluggage and later charged with failing to declare an amount over
\nA$5,000. On Friday, a court in Brisbane charged him on a second
\ncount for making a false declaration. His trial was fixed to
\nbegin on Aug. 19.<\/p>\n
Mahathir announced the resignation after a leadership meeting
\nof his United Malays National Organization (UMNO). \"We debated
\nthe matter and upon hearing the views of members, he (Muhammad)
\ndecided,\" Mahathir told reporters.<\/p>\n
Mahathir said it was hurting the party's image. \"Members
\nshould not smear UMNO's name by doing something which casts
\nnegative aspersions on the party.\"<\/p>",
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