'Bullied by party leaders' ex-Johor MB Hasni claims after suspension

SHAH ALAM - Former Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohamad said he was being "bullied" by Umno leadership despite his achievements in the party and the state.

This comes after Hasni was suspended from the party for 6 years and dropped as the state Umno chief. His position is taken over by Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.

Hasni did not reveal his next move but said he would not be content to sit around and do nothing since he want the party to contine ruling the state.

“The first time I got bullied was during the state election last year.

“At that time, I was the poster boy for Barisan Nasional and was to be appointed menteri besar if the coalition secured a big win.

“Now, after I supported the contest in Umno (for the post of president and deputy president), I am being seen as going against the wishes of the party.

“I beg to differ,” he was quoted in The Star when met after attending a wedding reception in Benut here today.

Hasni, who attended the supreme council meeting on Friday, claimed to have been elsewhere when the dismissal and suspension took place.

“Actually, many council members voiced their views but the president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had made up his mind and was not open to reasoning,” he was further quoted as saying.

Hasni, the state committee's leader since 2018, said he assumed control while Umno was in the Opposition.

He further hoped for the new state chief, Khaled would call for a meeting soon to discuss the latest developments in the party.

Hasni further said he was still a supreme council member.

Hasni warned party leaders of other political parties courting some of the leaders who were either suspended or sacked from the party.

“I hope all those who were sacked or suspended will remain with the party and not rush to join other parties. I hope they can appeal their suspension.”