The Star/Asia News Network
Friday, Nov 23, 2012
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia - True to its promise to act tough against traitors in the run-up to the general election, Umno has sacked two division leaders and suspended a branch chief for sabotaging the party.
Those sacked are Semporna Umno division committee member Abdul Habi Mustapha and former division committee member who is also Kg Gallam Umno chief Abdul Majid Palah.
Kg Seraya branch chief in the Semporna division Nisfu Palah was suspended for three years effective September or one term.
Party disciplinary committee chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen said four others were found guilty of not adhering to the party's rules and regulations and were given warnings.
He said they were among eight members whose case were heard by the committee in September and last month.
However, Padang Besar Umno division chief Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin who was also hauled up before the committee, was found not guilty.
Those who were found guilty and given warnings were Arau division committee member Syed Arif Syed Abu Bakar, Padang Besar committee member Yaacob Man, Kangar division member Biswardi Mohamad Hasbi and Abdul Halim Abdullah Sunny of Arau division.
He said the harsh decision was in line with the party's recent political transformation.
"The disciplinary committee will not compromise on any attempt to disrupt the party's struggle for the benefit of the people. Stern action will be taken against those who breach the party's disciplinary rules," he added.
Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently announced the setting up of a special panel to act against members who sabotaged the party and the Barisan Nasional during the coming general election.
The panel headed by Tengku Rithauddeen will define acts considered as sabotaging the party which will also include instigating members to go against Umno, sabotaging Barisan candidates and not spending the funds allocated for the elections.
