In a video posted on Instagram, Hishammuddin recalled how he first learnt of his suspension on Jan 27, 2023 – through media reports. He only received an official letter three days later.
“There was no explanation or details provided. Until today, I’ve not been officially and clearly told what exactly I did wrong.
“I was never called to provide an explanation or defend myself. I was not tried before the disciplinary committee.”
He also said that he decided against appealing his suspension as he knew he would not be fairly judged.
“I refused to compromise on the principles I hold on to.
“Some say I’m being stubborn or arrogant, but for me, this is not about membership or position. This is about integrity, sincerity, and justice – values I’ve always held in Umno.”
While he acknowledged that appealing may seem like the easy way out, Hishammuddin said his struggle has never been about returning to the party as a member.
Last night, Umno said it might consider an appeal submitted by any member subjected to party disciplinary action, in accordance with Clause 20.12 of the party’s constitution.
Hishammuddin was suspended from Umno for six years in January 2023. Media reports citing the suspension letter said it was due to a violation of Clause 20.9 of the party’s constitution, though no further details were provided.
In December last year, calls emerged for Hishammuddin to return to Umno following the Supreme Council’s decision to lift the suspension of former Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying the party was open to accepting Hishammuddin’s return, provided he followed Tajuddin’s example and filed an appeal.
Last week, the Sembrong Umno division passed a motion urging the party leadership to reinstate Hishammuddin as its chief. Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who officiated the division’s meeting, pledged to bring the motion to the party’s top leadership.
Hishamuddin also took issue with the manner he was suspended, claiming it reeked of double standards.
The former federal minister said that when he was suspended, procedures were not followed but SOPs suddenly mattered now when it came to lifting the suspension.
He pointed out that calls for his suspension to be rescinded did not “come from me, but Sembrong Umno”.
“So, it’s the party leadership’s responsibility to give them an explanation, not me.”
Hishammuddin said his stance on the matter remained clear and understood by the people in his constituency.
“My loyalty to the Umno struggle has never changed. What’s different is the way the process and principles have been applied to certain individuals.”