Only MT can expel Muhyiddin, Mukhriz from UMNO - Hishammuddin

Only the UMNO Supreme Council (MT) has the power to decide on the expulsion of UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Jerlun UMNO division head Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir who have been suspended from their party positions.

UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said although he had received many calls for the expulsion of both party leaders who were involved in the declaration signed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Opposition party members, only the MT could make the decision.

"I also received calls and requests not only from members of the Supreme Council but also grassroots members and I have said that the important thing regarding this matter is party discipline.

"I think that will be an issue that will be discussed in the Supreme Council Meeting where only the MT has the power to make the decision.

"Until the MT says and deliberate, that matter it still not decided," he said at a media conference at the Parliament lobby, here today.

In another development, Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, said he was still seeking confirmation on the latest information received on the expansion and building of the military capabilities of China in the South China Sea.

He said the matter would be discussed with Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne during her visit to Kuala Lumpur on March 21, together with other security issues.

"We get information from various quarters concerning the military assets placed on the islands and these need to be verified," he said.

Muhyiddin had said Malaysia must also get the stand of the Philippines and Vietnam, which have direct links in the issue on the duplicating claims, following the change in the position of the defence ministers in both countries.

"I understand that in the Philippines, there is an election process for the new president and in Vietnam too, the present defence minister will relinquish the post next month," he added.