'Give Hishammuddin and Maulizan another chance', says Khaled Nordin
Mohamed Khaled (in front) in a press conference after Johor Umno special meeting at Johor Umno building on Saturday
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said Johor Umno accepted MKT's decision to suspend former Umno Sembrong chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former Umno Tebrau chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang's membership for six years.
"However, we also express regret over the situation especially because the sacked leaders have contributed immesely towards the Johor Umno.
"Johor Umno also agrees that these two leaders should be given the opportunity to appeal against the decision," he said in a press conference after a special meeting of Johor Umno at the Umno building today.
On Jan 27, MKT had suspended Umno vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Tebrau Umno chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang for six years as well as sacking five Pasir Gudang Umno members.
Mohamed Khaled said the disciplinary action and suspension by MKT will not affect Johor Umno since several of the state leaders had previously experienced a similar situation.
Honestly speaking, suspended members should not give up hope because if efforts are made, like submitting an appeal, the suspension period can be shortened, Mohamed Khaled said.
"This is not the first Johor Umno leader's suspension or disciplinary action. Umno Johor members had experienced this before, and we were still able to perform our duties because we were not constrained to the point where we couldn't move forward.
"More importantly, most of the leaders involved before had returned, such as Tan Sri Shahrir Ab Samad and Muszaidi Makmor, who is now Kota Tinggi Umno chief.
"We believe efforts can be made and the suspension can be shortened like how it was for Datuk Lokman Nor Adam. Do not give up, as this is not the end of their political career," he said.
