UMNO has replaced Shahidan Kassim as Perlis Umno liaison committee chairman with Menteri Besar Azlan Man, a day before the party’s Supreme Council meets.

In a notice signed by Unmo president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, it stated that the replacement takes effect today.

However, no reason was given as to why Shahidan, who has been vocal in his criticism of the Umno leadership, was replaced.

“We would like to thank Shahidan for his contribution,” the statement read.

As a result of being dropped, the Arau MP will not be able to attend the party’s Supreme Council meeting tomorrow, which is due to discuss if its party election is to be held on June or postponed to a later date.

Shahidan is among few Umno leaders who is seen close to Bersatu. He is also against the party breaking ties with Bersatu in the next general election.

It was previously reported that Perlis Umno may break away from the central party leadership if it maintains its stand to end cooperation with Bersatu at the 2021 Umno Annual General Assembly.

However, Shahidan made a U-turn on his statement, saying Perlis Umno will stay loyal to the party’s top leadership.

Shahidan was appointed chairman of Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia when Perikatan Nasional (PN), led by Muhyiddin Yassin, formed the government early last year.

He has been seen as a PN supporter in Umno, together with several leaders such as Annuar Musa and Hishammuddin Hussein. – April 24, 2021.