Politics

Ismail Sabri says Umno 'cleansing' not complying with 'natural justice' principles

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision by the party's supreme council to sack and suspend several leaders and members on Friday was illegal.

The former prime minister said he did not agree with the decision and reason provided to sack and suspend the affected party leaders and members since it did not follow the legal process and that it did not comply with the 'natural justice' principles.

Ismail Sabri, who is also the Bera member of parliament, said party leaders and members affected by the Umno Supreme Council's decision were not given the opportunity to defend themselves.

"I was told that the Umno Disciplinary Board never advised the president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) to take any action. The board only informed him that there were reports lodged against those accused of committing offences (that violated the party's Constitution).

"Therefore, I did not agree with the decision (to sack and suspend the Umno leaders) since there was flaws in the decision-making process which led to their dismissal and suspension from the party.

"As a civilised political entity, Umno must be seen as transparent when the party decides to take any action," he said in a posting that was shared on his Instagram account.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan in a statement on Friday night announced that the party's supreme council has decided to sack former Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor Umno liaison committee chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar.

Ahmad also announced the decision by the council to suspend several leaders for six years including Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan.

Ismail Sabri claimed that there was no show-cause letter issued against those affected by the sacking and suspension order to explain the offences that they had allegedly committed.

"When there is no show-cause letter, there is no room (opportunity) for the affected party leaders to defend themselves against the accusations fabricated against them.

"Those accused of committing offences (which violated the party's constitution) have the right to be heard before the Umno Disciplinary Board (before action are being taken against them). They are allowed to tender witnesses. Accusations should be supported with evidences."

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