Former UMNO Vice-President, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, has unequivocally stated that he will not submit an appeal against the decision to suspend his party membership.
The Sembrong Member of Parliament expressed his firm conviction that he would not receive a fair hearing, coupled with his absolute unwillingness to compromise the principles he has consistently upheld. Consequently, Hishammuddin, who previously served as Senior Minister (Defence), will continue to defend his political principles, asserting that his membership was suspended without due process.
“When I was suspended, the proper procedure was not followed. Yet, when there is now a request for my reinstatement, procedures are suddenly emphasized,” he stated in a video post on Facebook on Tuesday.
He added, “The motion to lift my suspension did not originate from me. Instead, the motion for revocation came directly from the UMNO Sembrong Division itself.” Hishammuddin firmly asserted, “It is the responsibility of the party leadership to provide answers and explanations to them, not to me.”
Earlier, the UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) had decided that it could consider any appeals submitted by members facing disciplinary action, in accordance with Article 20.12 of the UMNO Constitution. This decision followed the UMNO Sembrong Division’s renewed motion last Saturday, which called for Hishammuddin’s immediate and unconditional reinstatement.
Datuk Abdul Ghani Abdul Rashid, the Head of UMNO Sembrong Division, confirmed that this was the second time the division had brought forward such a motion, aligning with the wishes of the majority of delegate members who desire Hishammuddin’s active return to the party.
According to Hishammuddin, he is also confident that such a significant decision will in no way affect his standing. “Two years ago, I was suspended, and I only learned about it through media reports on the night of January 27, 2023,” he recounted.
“Three days later, I finally received an official letter stating that I was suspended for violating clauses within the UMNO Constitution,” he added. He emphasized, “No further explanation or details were provided, and to this day, I have not been formally and in writing informed of any specific misconduct I am alleged to have committed.”
Hishammuddin further stated that he was never summoned to provide an explanation or to defend himself, nor was he tried before a disciplinary committee.
Therefore, he holds the view that it is crucial to assert that the issue at hand is not merely about membership or position within the party. “This is about the principles, integrity, sincerity, and justice that I have always upheld within UMNO. Yes, many might think appealing by writing a letter is easy,” he remarked.
“However, for my struggle throughout these years, it is not simply about regaining membership,” he stressed. He further added, “This is about upholding values and principles that were practiced not only by me but also by UMNO leaders who came before us. This is what I find difficult to compromise on.”
In related developments, Hishammuddin also asserted that loyalty to the party is not measured through appeals, but rather through the principles one defends. “Yesterday, the MKT made their decision. That decision reflects who they are, not who we are,” he stated.
“They have made their decision, and now I will continue to move forward with dignity and principle,” he affirmed. “This is a struggle of values and true meaning. An appeal does not determine my loyalty. The principles within the party define our loyalty as party members.”
Furthermore, he shared that his relationship with the people and grassroots remains harmonious, despite no longer holding any official position or status within the party. “I am still invited to events and accepted as if I am part of them. My relationship with the people has never depended on my position, status, or membership,” he concluded.
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