KUALA LUMPUR: Khairy Jamaluddin, who was sacked from Umno in January, has predicted that the party will be wiped out in the upcoming state elections.

He said this after Sembrong member of Parliament Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, suspended from Umno for six months, hit out at the party leadership's "sarcastic invite" of sacked or suspended party members to the Umno General Assembly this Wednesday.

In an Instagram post, Hishammuddin said many members missed the "old Umno" that would not make snarky remarks about suspended members.

According to the former defence minister, such a cynical gesture would be bad for Umno because it would not be warmly received by the grassroots.

Khairy commented in the post which he describes Umno as "bungkus" (wiped out) in the upcoming state election expected to be held in July.

Hishammuddin then replied: "It's their loss bro. We move on."

On Saturday, Zahid said former or suspended members could attend the assembly if they "miss such gatherings." He however said these individuals could "act as observers" outside the hall as the proceedings continue inside.

Umno had earlier this year sacked several leaders including former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin as well as veteran Tanjong Kararang Umno division chief Tan Sri Noh Omar.

It also meted out a six year suspension against Hishammuddin, who was former party vice-president, and former information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/916906/kj-says-umno-will-be-wiped-out-state-polls