JOHOR BARU: Gelang Patah Umno division permanent chairman Datuk Baharom Abdul Ghani surprised those present at the start of the division delegates meeting here today when he announced his resignation from the party.
The 60-year-old party veteran is the former Tanjung Kupang (now Nusajaya seat) assemblyman and he has been with Gelang Patah Umno since the early days of the division in 1995.
Gelang Patah Umno division chief Mohammad Khairi A. Malik later told reporters that the division members respect Baharom's decision and thanked him for his past contribution, namely, as Tanjung Kupang assemblyman and community leader.
"We believe his decision to quit the party will not affect the party's struggles.
"So far only one member has expressed his wish to follow suit," said Khairi when met after the delegates meeting attended by 400 party members at the Johor Baru Central Municipal Council (MBJBT) hall in Skudai, here.
The meeting continued as usual after Baharom's announcement.