UMNO has given four of its former lawmakers the boot for defying party rules and standing in the coming general election under a different banner.

They are former Arau lawmaker Shahidan Kassim, Zahidi Zainul Abidin (Padang Besar), Ismail Abd Muttalib (Maran), and Azhar Ahmad who is contesting the Kuala Perlis state seat.

In a statement, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said party membership was automatically revoked when the four decided to contest on the Perikatan Nasional ticket or as independent candidates.

He said this was in line with clause 20.11 of the party constitution which allows Umno to take immediate action on errant members without referring them to the disciplinary board.

Ahmad said the removal will also see the deputy division chairmen in their respective divisions taking over the leadership with immediate effect.

He said the party was investigating those who had accompanied the four to the nomination centres last Saturday and would take action in due course.

Malaysians will go to the polls on November 19. – November 7, 2022.