Shafie Apdal: I've contributed to Sabah Umno's growth

Shafie talking to reporters at KLIA

SEPANG: Former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has told certain party members not to insult him, saying he had helped in its struggle during his time with the party.

Shafie said he had made a contribution – albeit a small one – to Umno's growth in Sabah.

"There are some who said that there will be no effect in me leaving the party. We will wait and see. I leave it to God. I know that I have supporters...so don't insult me.

"I come from Sabah and helped in the country's struggle," the 58-year-old Semporna MP told reporters at KL International Airport after arriving from Sabah on Friday.

Asked if more members from Sabah Umno would follow him and leave the party, Shafie said "just wait and see the situation".

He added that after eight years as rural and regional development minister, he understood the feelings of grassroots members.

He also questioned why Umno decided to suspend him without any questions asked.

"I was suspended when I was on Umrah... but it's alright, maybe it's a sign from God when I was praying... to show me the best way to help the religion and country," he said.

He also ruled out joining any other political party for the time being.

Shafie was suspended as an Umno member on June 24 by the supreme council, which also expelled deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah mentri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.