FORMER Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said that the party’s decision to suspend him for six-years was a bitter pill to swallow but would not appeal the decision. 

However, Shahril said he was unsure why the party decided to suspend him, as the supreme council had not informed him on the reason for its actions. 

“Yesterday, I was suspended for six years by Umno. 

“I was never called by the party’s disciplinary committee nor did I get any letter (from them). I don’t even know the reason for their action,” he said in a Facebook video posted on his page. 

Shahril, a former aide to Khairy Jamaluddin, who was sacked from the party yesterday, said that he would not appeal the decision meted by the party despite calls from certain quarters.  

“Even if I want to appeal, how do I do that given that the party didn’t even follow the correct procedure (to suspend me),” he said. 

“I don’t think the decision will favour me if I appeal.

 “Maybe they are hoping for us to keep quiet and follow (their decision). Sorry, I can’t do that,” Shahril added. 

Yesterday, Umno sacked Khairy Jamaluddin and Noh Omar, both veteran leaders, for allegedly working against the interests of the party.  

At the same time, Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein was suspended for six years. 

Also suspended were former Jempol MP Mohd Salim Shariff and former Tiram assemblyman Maulizan Bujang.

Shahril said he had to accept that this is part and parcel of politics. 

“It is true that we want to show that we are fighters and I want to be a fighter but in the end, I’m just an ordinary human being. 

“I have fought for this party, been with the party and forged a lot of friendships within but suddenly I find myself suspended. It is not easy to swallow this but this is life and this is politics,” he said. 

Shahril said that it was still early to make a decision on his next move. 

However, he said his suspension from the party will not deter him in any way.

“I have the will, the conviction to contribute, in any way I can to develop the nation,” he said. –  January 28, 2023.