Isham Jalil appointed Umno info chief following Shahril’s resignation

MELAKA: Umno supreme council member Isham Jalil is now the Umno information chief following the resignation of Shahril Hamdan earlier Sunday (Nov 20).

"I was just informed by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan that I am the Umno information chief with immediate effect.

"This comes following Shahril’s resignation, with my appointment (as the Umno information chief) also discussed and formalised by the Umno leadership," Isham said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 20).

Earlier, Shahril announced his resignation from the post in ensuring collective responsibility over Barisan’s dismal performance in the 15th general election (GE15).

"I appreciate the opportunity given and I will not forget it. This is a matter of a much greater benefit.

"Just like the others, I remain loyal to Umno. The party’s struggles haven't come to an end. This is not the end," said Shahril.

Shahril lost in the Alor Gajah seat after obtaining 27,288 votes against Pakatan Harapan’s Adly Zahari's 28,718 votes and Perikatan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof’s 17,211 votes.

Shahril also echoed Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s call for Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s immediate resignation as the Barisan Nasional chairman.

"I am of the opinion that the Umno president and Barisan chairman has to set an example by taking responsibility for this defeat - resign gracefully.

"Let the leadership and other individuals lead discussions to make the next big decision for this party," he said.