SELANGOR Umno’s sole MP and four assemblymen have pledged their loyalty to the party and will not defect, said state liaison chief Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.

His comments follow the defection of Sabak Bernam MP Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh last week. Fasiah joined five other lawmakers, including former minister Hamzah Zainuddin, in quitting the party to become independents.

“There will be no more party-hopping in Selangor Umno. The four assemblymen will remain in Umno, and we will continue to be a solid opposition in the state,” Ismail Sabri said at the chapter’s headquarters in Shah Alam.

“All four reps have clearly said they will not jump ship and will support the party till the end.”

He said he is upset with Fasiah, who previously denied having plans to quit the Barisan Nasional lynchpin.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Bera MP, reminded Fasiah that he won Sabak Bernam due to the hard work of Umno members.

“I am upset with Fasiah. We were able to speak last Friday, before the announcement, and he told me that he had nothing to do with the exodus.

“He denied knowing of moves to leave Umno, but in the end, he left with five others. He won (in the 14th general election) because of Umno members, as well the voters who chose him. Umno worked hard to ensure he won.”

Fasiah left the party along with Hamzah (Larut), Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah), Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu) Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Mersing) and Shahbudin Yahya (Tasik Gelugor).

Ismail Sabri said the Sabak Bernam lawmaker is uncontactable.

“He is no longer contactable. His phone is switched off,” he said when asked if he had spoken with Fasiah after the latter’s announcement.

Meanwhile, Sabak Bernam Umno chief Abdul Rahman Bakri said Fasiah’s departure has not caused any trouble in the division.

“Nothing has changed. Sabak Bernam Umno is still solid despite him leaving.”

The state Umno’s sole MP is Tanjung Karang’s Noh Omar. – December 17, 2018.