Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin, Alor Setar division chief Yusof suspended from Umno

PETALING JAYA: Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (pic) and Alor Setar Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Yusof Ismail have been suspended from Umno on Friday (Sept 30) night, the latter confirmed.

Yusof said he does not know the reason or for how long, as he has not received the official letter and was only informed verbally last night.

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The Umno supreme council meeting decided to suspend the duo last night.

Sources said that Tajuddin, who is also the Pasir Salak Umno division chief, and Yusof were suspected of going against the top Umno leadership.

"Yes, I have been informed by members of the Umno supreme council that they decided to suspend me and Tajuddin last night. I do not know for how long yet.

"I have no idea why they decided on this. I have been very vocal in the division chiefs' group and I have been very supportive of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"Perhaps it was a signal to the Prime Minister that should he not dissolve Parliament, his supporters among the division chiefs will bear the brunt.

"I will not appeal as I have done nothing wrong. I consider myself as Umno then, now and forever," said Yusof, when contacted.

Tajuddin has been Pasir Salak MP for three terms since 2008. In June, he was removed from the Umno supreme council for calling on party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to step down "for being a liability to the party".

Ahmad Zahid is currently facing corruption charges in court.

In July, Tajuddin was dropped as Malaysia's named ambassador to Indonesia.

The Umno supreme council top five, including Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri, met last night and decided that the general elections will indeed be held this year.

Ahmad Zahid has been pushing Ismail Sabri to dissolve the Parliament this year, but the latter was indecisive over the matter, not wanting the polls to be held during the monsoon season.