Former M'sian Health Minister Khairy dismissed, ex-Defence Minister Hisham suspended as Umno culls ‘traitors’

KUALA LUMPUR — Umno on Friday (Jan 27) sacked former Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and suspended ex-Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein for six years.

Mr Khairy was also former Umno youth chief and Mr Hishamuddin was the party's former vice-president. 

The party, which is a key member of the country’s current unity government, also suspended former information chief Shahril Hamdan, former Umno Youth exco Fatul Bahri Mat Jahya, Tebrau division chief Maulizan Bujang, and former Jempol Member of Parliament (MP) Mohd Salim Mohd Shariff.

They have all been suspended for six years.

This was confirmed by Umno Supreme Council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi on his Facebook page.

The decision was made at the Supreme Council meeting on Friday night, which affirmed recommendations by the party’s disciplinary board, he said. 

An official statement is expected to be released by party secretary-general Ahmad Maslan.

Umno took action against its errant members for their efforts against the interests of the party, including by acting to sabotage the party in the general election. 

Earlier, it was reported that former Tanjung Karang MP Noh Omar had initially been suspended for six years, but asked to be sacked instead, to which the party agreed. 

It was also reported that former Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad had been dropped as Johor liaison chief and replaced by Khaled Nordin. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT