No need to jump the gun, affected Umno members can decide their path, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: No need to jump the gun, Umno members who have been sacked or suspended can plan their next step for their best interest, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

He said it is up to those affected what they would like to do next for their political career and let them settle all internal party issues on their own.

"I do not want to comment on Umno, it is totally up to them to clear all internal issues.

"None of them has voiced out intention to join any parties, so no need to jump the gun," he told reporters at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Chinese New Year open house, today.

He said that as a government, all focus should be on the welfare of the public and the implementation of policies for the interest of the people.

Loke, who is also the Transport Minister, was commenting on Umno's decision to suspend and sack several of its members.

Former Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor Umno liaison committee chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar were sacked, while Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was suspended.

Among other members suspended from the party for six years were former Umno Deputy Youth Chief Shahril Hamdan, Umno Youth Exco Fathul Bari Mat Jahya, former Jempol MP Salim Mohd Sharif and former Johor State Exco Maulizan Bujang.

The decision was announced after Umno’s supreme council meeting last night following Khairy’s previous allegations that there were dirty tactics to ensure that Umno’s two top positions were not contested at the recent general assembly (PAU).

It is understood that the disciplinary action taken against the Umno leaders was linked to efforts to sabotage the party in the general election.