GUA MUSANG: Gua Musang Umno Division believes the sackings and suspensions of several party leaders and members were carried out based on the scrutiny done by those responsible, including the disciplinary committee.
Division Chief, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said every party has its own set of disciplinary rules to safeguard such a political organisation's progress.
"I believe this matter was carefully examined by the responsible parties including the disciplinary committee.
"Every party has discipline. A person who does not follow the procedure and way of working (within the) organisational structure will be subject to discipline to ensure that the party runs well.
"What's more, in the current situation, efforts are being undertaken to stabilise the political situation," he said when met at Bukit Chekati here, last night.
The Umno veteran backed the action taken by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying that it was appropriate because it was the responsibility of a leader to monitor the progress of the party and its leaders.
"The party leader has responsibility for overseeing the party's journey and the behavior of its leaders, whether they are fulfilling their normal duties or have an interest in challenging certain positions, even at the highest level.
"So if there is an action like the one announced (on Friday), we should not be surprised.
"If you are not satisfied, you can appeal. This is normal in political parties," said the former Gua Musang MP.
On Friday night, Umno sacked ex-Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar Noh and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for offences committed during last November's 15th General Election (GE15).
Also sacked were five members from the Pasir Gudang Umno Division, nine from the Putrajaya Umno Division, two from the Tanjung Karang Umno Division and 26 from Pahang Umno.
"Among their offences were standing as independent candidates, being candidates of parties other than Barisan Nasional (BN) and helping Opposition parties during GE15," said Umno secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the Sembrong Umno Division chief, was suspended for six years.
The former Defence Minister was suspended along with Umno Youth vice-chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, Tebrau Umno Division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang and Jempol Umno Division chief Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif.
The decision was made at the Umno Supreme Working Council meeting chaired by Umno president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Meanwhile, Razaleigh better known as Ku Li said Umno needs to undergo reform so that it can change the party's image and regain people's confidence.
The party veteran said the time had come for Umno to stand up and reform following its defeat in last November's 15th GE15.
"Perhaps it's time for Umno to undergo a reform so that it can change its image, especially since so many bad things have happened. It's not nice."
"We have to bounce back as a strong party. We don't want to be dependent on other people to gain a bit of influence or power. We are the party that represents the majority of Malaysians as a Malay party.
"Therefore, we should not sit as mere passengers and only hope for a few positions that is meaningless to us," he said.
He is confident that Umno is capable of reshaping the country's position if it dares to reform.
"We want to shape the position of this country, especially on behalf of the majority of the people of this nation who want us to determine its direction and future," he said.