Ahmad did not go into details.

However Zaharin, a former secretary of Bandar Tun Razak Umno, is known to be very critical of party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on social media.

In an immediate response Zaharin played down his sacking in a short Facebook post.

“I am 70. (I have been) sacked. I’m not affected. I am free.”

Hours prior to his sacking Zaharin had alleged on Facebook that the party’s Supreme Council would propose the boot for several members who were critical of Zahid.

Later in a live video clip, Zaharin said he was happy that he had been expelled. “I am now free to take on corrupt Umno leaders,” he said.

He would not join any party for now, although he was aware that friends in PKR had suggested that he should contest the Bandar Tun Razak seat at the coming general election.

Zaharin said they believed that he was most qualified to contest the seat if party leader Anwar Ibrahim did not do so.

While he was not interested in becoming a candidate he would consider it if the opposition were to push for it. “If I stand on the Pakatan Harapan ticket, I can win, as I have many supporters in Bandar Tun Razak.”