KUALA LUMPUR – Although he is hoping that the party’s appeals panel will review his membership, former deputy Putrajaya Umno chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz is puzzled over the six-year suspension that was meted out last March.
Tun Faisal, who is linked to communications minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, told Getaran that his only question is what was the egregious offence that led to his six-year suspension.
He said after the suspension last year, he had to go through the process of verifying the decision, including with the panel.
“I am satisfied with the procedure when I met the appeal panel on January 12 regarding the suspension, and those involved who are willing to listen to my arguments.”
However, he said the length of the suspension seemed like a move to kill his political career as the general election looms.
He added that the heavy penalty is uncalled for and unfair, questioning the basis and justification for the punishment.
“I was charged with three offences, the first of which was defaming Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in relation to a letter of support to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to become prime minister.
“Secondly, I am accused of criticising Zahid openly. And thirdly, I am allegedly inciteful by uploading media reports about me on a personal Facebook page.”
He said he had never insulted Zahid, let alone used abusive words and accused the leader and deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan of misappropriating funds.
He added that he had never attacked Zahid’s family members, leaked recordings of Umno secret discussions or been convicted of corruption and money politics.
“Is it because of other factors? If so, why was I not prosecuted for that? No judgement and justification were given. Until now, I do not know why I was given a six-year suspension.
Last March, Tun Faisal, who is also the former director of the Department of Special Affairs (Jasa), was suspended for six years as an Umno member.
Earlier, Annuar, who is Ketereh Umno chief, was removed as Barisan Nasional (BN) and Muafakat Nasional (MN) secretary-general. He was replaced by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Annuar had slammed the party’s top leadership by, among other things, claiming that his sacking went against BN’s constitution, as it was done by Zahid at an Umno division leaders’ meeting as party president and not as BN chairman.
He also accused the party of colluding with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP to oust the then Perikatan Nasional government, and alleged that Zahid had ordered Umno not to formalise its MN coalition with PAS. – The Vibes, January 15, 2022
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