UMNO acting deputy president Hishammuddin Hussein has weighed in on the Perlis leadership stand-off by censuring Perlis Umno for firing newly appointed Menteri Besar Azlan Man from the party.

Hishammuddin said only the Umno Supreme Council has the authority to sack members and that’s only after the case has been brought before the party’s disciplinary body.

“This thing should not have taken place,” he said in a Facebook post last night, referring to Perlis Umno chief Shahidan Kassim’s announcement that Azlan was fired from the party, hours after he was sworn in.

“Every Umno leader must be big-hearted and show the best leadership qualities to win the hearts of the people,” he said.

Hishammuddin reminded Umno leaders that the people are watching and scrutinising the party’s willingness to reform and rise up from its shocking defeat in the 14th general election.

“The people have given Barisan Nasional (BN) the mandate to lead in Perlis and this trust must be carried with integrity,” he said.

BN managed to win 10 out of 15 state seats, while PKR won 3 and PAS won 2 seats in GE14.

Shahidan, who is also Perlis BN chairman, had recommended that his brother Ismail, who won the Tambun Tualang state seat, be named a candidate for the role of menteri besar, but his recommendation was rejected by the palace.

The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, instead appointed Azlan, sparking a leadership stand-off.

During Azlan’s swearing-in ceremony, nine BN state assemblymen were absent.

Hours later on the same day, Shahidan and the nine assemblymen held a press conference in Kuala Lumpur to announce Azlan’s sacking. Shahidan also appealed to the Raja of Perlis not to interfere in the selection of candidates, which had been decided by the party.

In his Facebook post, Hishammuddin said the decision of the state ruler ought to be considered as it was made with the people of Perlis’ best interests.

“That decision should be respected,” he wrote. – May 26, 2018.