JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Umno wants Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein amd Datuk Maulizan Bujang to be given room to defend themselves and file an appeal following their six year suspension from the party.

Johor Umno chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said the decision was reached unanimously at the state Umno liaision committee special meeting today.

However, Mohamed Khaled, who is also vice-president, said state Umno accepted the decision by the party's supreme council to suspend Hishammuddin, who is Sembrong Umno chief, and Maulizan, who is Tebrau Umno chief.

"Johor Umno conveys its regrets over what happened, especially as it involved two leaders, Hishammuddin and Maulizan, who had contributed massively to the state.

"As such, Johor Umno has agreed that both leaders should be given a chance to defend themselves and appeal the decision," he said.

Khaled was speaking to reporters after attending the state Umno liaision committee special meeting today.

Also present were Johor Umno secretary Datuk Samsolbari Jamali and state Umno treasurer Datuk Jais Sarday.

On January 27, the supreme council had suspended the membership of Hishammuddin, who is also former Umno vice-president, and Maulizan, who was former Tiram assemblyman, for six years.

The supreme council had also sacked five Pasir Gudang Umno division members.

Mohamed Khaled said the disciplinary action meted out against the members would not affect Johor Umno as several other state leaders had also faced similar punishments before.

He said those who have been suspended should not lose hope because if an appeal is made, the suspension period could be reduced.

"This is not the first time that state Umno leaders have been suspended or hit with disciplinary action. We've gone through this before in Johor.

"Nevertheless, Umno continued to fulfil its responsibilities and was not hindered to the extent of being crippled.

"The most important thing is that those who were hit by disciplinary action returned to the fold, such as Tan Sri Shahrir Ab Samad and Muszaidi Makmor, who is now Kota Tinggi Umno division chief.

"We believe that if efforts are in place, the suspension period for Hishammuddin and Maulizan can be reduced, as what happened to Datuk Lokman Nor Adam. We cannot give up, as such punishments do not mean the end of one's political career."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/02/876484/johor-umno-asks-hishammuddin-maulizan-be-allowed-appeal-suspensions