ISMAIL Sabri Yaakob said the decision to sack and suspend several top party leaders was made by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ismail, Umno vice-president, said the president did not get any input from the party’s disciplinary board.

The former prime minister said the decision goes against the principles of fairness as it did not give those sacked or suspended the right to defend themselves.

“I do not agree with the decision on dismissals and suspensions. It was not made in compliance with the legal process, and is contrary to the principle of ‘natural justice’ and the right to defend oneself,” he said in an Instagram post.

The Bera MP said he was informed by the party’s disciplinary board that it did not advise the president on the “cleanse”.

“It only informed (Zahid) that there was a report against those accused,” he said.

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

Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein has been suspended for six years.

Also suspended were former Jempol MP Mohd Salim Shariff and former Tiram assemblyman Maulizan Bujang. – January 28, 2023.