Speaking out a necessity in Umno, says Ismail Sabri

PETALING JAYA: Speaking out in defence of Umno is a necessity, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The party vice-president said that he is ready to bear the risk of speaking out against actions that he believes go against Umno’s constitution and core principles.

Ismail Sabri told Star Media Group’s Malay-language news portal Majoriti that his openness to speak out is a necessity to ensure the party would continue progressing as an open and diverse platform for all its members.

“If everyone does not want to talk, ideas in the party cannot be shared. After all, party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had previously said that he celebrates differences of opinion with the party," said Ismail Sabri.

“My opinion may be different from his. If he believes its wrong, he doesn’t have to take it but if its positive for the party, he can choose to take it,” he added.

Previously, Ismail Sabri was speculated to have been suspended for questioning the Umno supreme council’s decision to fire and suspend several Umno leaders.

This includes the sacking of former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and supreme council member Tan Sri Noh Omar on Jan 27.

However, he dismissed claims of his alleged suspension during the interview with Majoriti, saying that it had not even been raised at the party's supreme council meeting.

Ismail Sabri then acknowledged that his outspokenness against recent actions in Umno would likely lead to disciplinary action taken against him and that he would be prepared to accept any punishment.

“As long as the risk to me is based on the legal process, I will accept it," he said.