UMNO Sembrong has demanded an explanation from the party’s Supreme Council over the six-year suspension of its former division chief Hishammuddin Hussein, Abd Ghani Abd Rashid said.

The deputy division director told a press conference the party’s top brass must come up with an explanation as they believed Hishammuddin has not done anything that can be deemed as against party’s mandate.

“We are shocked and upset over the suspension of Hishammuddin. The suspension is heavy punishment for someone who has not committed anything wrong.

“We believe Hishammuddin has not betrayed the party nor has he done anything detrimental to the party. Therefore we are demanding the Supreme Council give us a thorough explanation on its decision to suspend Hishammuddin,” said Ghani.

On Friday, Hishammuddin was suspended for six years, along with Umno Youth vice-chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, Tebrau division chief Maulizan Bujang, and Jempol division chief Mohd Salim Sharif.

Among the offences they allegedly committed are standing as independent candidates, being candidates of parties other than Barisan Nasional’s, and helping opposition parties during the general election.

Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan in a statement issued after a Supreme Council meeting on Friday announced the dismissal of Supreme Council member Noh Omar and former youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin for breaching the party’s constitution.

Also sacked were five members from the Pasir Gudang division, nine from the Putrajaya division, two from the Tanjung Karang division, and 26 from Pahang.

However, the Supreme Council gave no reason for the dismissals and suspensions.

Ghani said Sembrong Umno members will remain in the party as recommended by Hishammuddin. 

Ghani said he will tour the Umno state chapter to explain Hishammuddin’s suspension to its members. 

“We will remain Umno members and will give our loyalty to the party as advised by Hishamuddin. We will go to the grassroots to explain about Hishamuddin’s suspension to avoid misinformation,” he stated. – January 29, 2023.