Muhyiddin, Mukhriz's dismissal prove no favouritism in UMNO

The UMNO Supreme Council's action to sack UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir from the party is seen as a move in the right direction and not something extraordinary.

Council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, the sacking was proof that UMNO never adopted favouritism in taking action against any member who breached the party's regulations and laws.

"Action should be taken against Muhyiddin and Mukhriz because they were on stage with the opposition (parties) during the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-election campaigns recently.

"UMNO is disappointed with the attitude of such leaders because the action of verbal attacks on a leader and government are against the party's constitution.

"Thus, stripping their membership is proper (decision). This action does not affect UMNO in its struggle on nation building," he told reporters after handing over Hari Raya Aidilfitri donations at FELDA Sebertak here Saturday.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Bera MP, said all Supreme Council members agreed on the dismissal of the two leaders, while the fate of suspended UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal would be decided after receiving all reports.

Echoing similar views was Penang UMNO State Liaison deputy chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican who said both the leaders had clearly and openly criticised the party and federal government.

"We can criticise, have different opinions and voice out matters through the party's Supreme Council, as well as the UMNO General Assembly. However, both the leaders did not use the right channel.

"The party had called and asked them several times to give explanations but they did not turn up. In fact, they betrayed UMNO by cooperating with the opposition," he told reporters after the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) 'Jelajah Ramadan' programme at the Seberang Perai Utara district police headquarters here last night.