UMNO has suspended its Putrajaya division deputy chairman Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz for six years over his criticism of party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The party Supreme Council made the decision at a meeting last night.

“The suspension is for six years, or two terms, starting March 27, 2021,” said a statement issued by Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan.

Tun Faisal is also press secretary to Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa, another critic of Zahid.

Tun Faisal had faced the party’s disciplinary panel over his criticism of the president.

Meanwhile, the Umno leadership at the party AGM is expected to confirm the decision to cut ties with Bersatu.

Umno leaders have publicly aired their grievances concerning Bersatu and said the party grassroots feel the same way.

 Some party members have disagreed, urging that the alliance with the splinter party be maintained.