Think of party unity, Johor Umno urges party supreme council, Hishammuddin

JOHOR BARU: A Johor Umno leader has urged his party leaders and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to set aside their differences for the sake of party unity.

Iskandar Puteri Umno deputy chief Datuk Pandak Ahmad said having the Sembrong MP back would significantly bolster the party’s strength as it gears up for a series of upcoming elections.

“Recently, the Umno supreme council considered an appeal by any member subjected to party disciplinary action, while Hishammuddin has stated that he would not appeal due to his principles.

“In this context, I believe both sides should give and take. If both wanted to show their egos against one another, then Umno will stand to lose,” he said.

Pandak, who is also the Kota Iskandar assemblyman, said this to the media during a book launch held at a local university in Stulang Laut here on Thursday (July 3).

He urged all involved parties in the matter to set aside their differences and reconcile for the sake of restoring Umno’s original struggle and unity among its members and supporters.

Pandak said that there were no mistakes that could not be forgiven. He cited the return of former Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as an example of Umno’s openness to reconciliation.

“Everyone makes mistakes, so all parties should be open-hearted and resume working together for the party. The return of Hishammuddin will further strengthen Umno in the face of elections.

“Some may say Umno is already strong now, but that is because we are in a unity government. If we go solo again, are we truly that strong?” he added.

On Wednesday, Hishammuddin said submitting an appeal for his six-year suspension from Umno would go against his principles.

The former Umno vice-president said he first learnt about his suspension on Jan 27, 2023, through media reports and only received an official letter three days later.

“There was no explanation or reason given as to why I was suspended. Until now, I have not been told what my offence was,” he said.

Hishammuddin said he was not allowed to defend himself or given a fair hearing by the disciplinary committee.

“I did not appeal because I was not given proper due process, and I did not want to give up on my principles. This is not a matter of (my Umno) membership, not about status, not about position. It is a matter of principle, integrity, sincerity and justice.”

It was reported on Monday that Umno would consider an appeal by any member subjected to party disciplinary action.