Hamidah Osman insists she is still an Umno member

KUALA LUMPUR: Gopeng Wanita Umno chief Datuk Hamidah Osman has insisted that she is still an Umno member as she has yet to receive an official letter on her sacking. 

“As of now, I am still a division leader and will attend the Umno annual general meeting (AGM) because I haven’t received any black and white on my sacking from the party,” she said. 

Hamidah, who was present to show support for nine Umno branch leaders who were facing the party disciplinary board at Menara Dato Onn here, also said she turned up to seek clarification on her sacking. 

“I am confused with the reason of my expulsion. I was previously given a show-cause letter to explain an invitation I extended to Tun Dr Mahathir Mahathir. 

“But then the secretary-general said I was sacked because I went to an Opposition function. If that was the case, how come I was never given show-cause letter for that?” she said. 

Hamidah’s sacking from the party was announced by Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Nov 24 for breaching the party’s discipline, but there was no specific reason behind it. 

Secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor was subsequently reported to have said that she was sacked due to her involvement with the Opposition. 

“This is so unfair. I am puzzled that a party like Umno, which is a backbone to the country and the government, is running like a pasar (market),” she said. 

When asked if she had any regrets, Hamidah said no. 

“Whatever happens, I’m still in Umno and will always be in Umno,” she said. 

Former Langkawi Umno Wanita leader, Anina Saaduddin was also present to show support for the nine Umno branch leaders. 

"I am in solidarity with the grassroots. We are speaking the truth in the interest of the people," she said. 

She also said she would attend the Umno AGM scheduled to be held from Dec 8 till Dec 12.