FORMER Selangor Barisan Nasional information chief Isham Jalil has been appointed to the Umno Supreme Council.

He replaces Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who was sacked.

Umno Supreme Council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the party needs people who can strengthen it.

“We need more people who have brains in the party… and are accepted by the public,” he said at party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier today said Tajuddin is dropped as a supreme council member over his criticism of the party.

But the former deputy prime minister did not elaborate and instead told reporters to ask the Pasir Salak MP himself.

“You have to ask him what statements he made, what speeches, what ceramah… what kinds of things he said behind closed doors,” said Zahid, as quoted by Free Malaysia Today.

On whether more people will be sacked, Puad said party members have to follow party decisions.

“The important thing is that whoever does not follow the party (flow) should be punished as any organisation needs members who are obedient (and follow) party decisions.

“It does not matter who it is (sacked). The important thing is that if everyone follows party decisions, there is no problem.”

On whether this is a warning to those who openly criticise the party president, Puad said there is no such issue.

“I have also criticised the president; there is no issue of criticism (of the president). I have even criticised the prime minister.”

He also said members discussed the 15th general election. – June 24, 2022.