Umno purge: Maulizan accepts suspension despite not allowed to defend himself

JOHOR BARU: Tebrau Umno division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang has accepted his fate of being suspended from Umno despite not being given a chance to defend himself.

Maulizan, who was suspended for six years along with several other Umno members, said that he was never summoned to explain himself.

"Umno president and the party's supreme council had suspended my membership for six years without calling me or giving me a chance to defend myself.

"I have accepted (the decision) although I really love the party that has contributed so much to the country," he said in a statement on Facebook.

He said that he may also be at fault for not being in line with party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"Maybe it was my fault as sometimes I do not see eye to eye with the party president.

"It is alright, maybe there is a reason behind what has happened. I will continue to pray that Umno will recover with its leaders accepted not only by members but also voters.

"I would also like to apologise to those who know me, whether from the party or outside if I have made any mistakes during my service," he said, noting that he has been in Umno for 42 years.

Several Umno leaders were either sacked or suspended for going against the party including standing as independents during the recent general election.

Maulizan was among those who were suspended. Other members include Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Sharif and Shahril Hamdan.

Former health minister Khairy was among those sacked following a decision taken by the supreme council meeting on Friday (Jan 27) night.

Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad was dropped as the Johor Umno liaison committee chairman and replaced by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also Kota Tinggi MP.