THE suspension of several Johor Umno leaders will not affect the party’s administration in the state, newly appointed state liaison chairman Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

He said similar action had been taken before against Johor Umno leaders like Shahrir Ab Samad and Muszaidi Makmor, who is now Kota Tinggi division chief, but Johor Umno still functioned as usual.

He said suspended Umno leaders like Sembrong lawmaker Hishammuddin Hussein and former Tiram assemblyman Maulizan Bujang should not give up as they could appeal against their suspension.

“Johor Umno discussed the two leaders’ suspension and was saddened by what happened to them as they have contributed a lot to the party. We agree that they should be given space to appeal against their suspension,” the Kota Tinggi MP told reporters after chairing a special Johor Umno meeting today.

On January 27, the Umno Supreme Council suspended the membership of former vice-president Hishammuddin and Maulizan and expelled five members from the Pasir Gudang division.

Khaled also said party veteran Shahrir would not be defending his post as Johor Baru division chief and thanked the former Johor Baru MP for his services in the state committee. – Bernama, February 4, 2023.