[UPDATED] Person with brains: Isham Jalil sworn in as Umno Supreme Council member

KUALA LUMPUR – Isham Jalil is now Umno’s newest Supreme Council member after he was sworn in tonight at the party’s headquarters at Menara Dato Onn here, following the removal of Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman two days ago.

Fellow Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi shared a photo of Isham’s swearing-in tonight, confirming today’s speculations as members of the media were left waiting in the building lobby.

Met outside the party’s headquarters in Menara Dato’ Onn this evening, Puad said Isham’s appointment to the council is a step towards rejuvenating Umno.

“We need a person with brains and who will be accepted by the public,” he said on Isham’s entry into the council.

Isham, who was stripped of his Selangor Barisan Nasional information chief post on June 3, this morning said he was invited to tonight’s council meeting.

Isham, who was Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s special officer during his tenure as prime minister, had said he was informed of the invitation by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. 

Tajuddin’s removal as a Supreme Council member comes less than a year after he was stripped of his position as Umno election director, after a rumoured falling out with party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Asked to comment on Tajuddin and whether there would be more removals from the council, Puad said any organisation requires members who are disciplined.

“The important basis is that it is right to remove whoever who does not follow the party (leadership),” he said.

“So the question on whether there would be more (to be dropped) from the council does not arise as if everyone follows the party (leadership) then there would be no problems.”

Puad spoke to reporters after leaving the meeting just after 10pm, before it ended, and due to other engagements.

Speaking to The Vibes earlier, Puad dismissed notions that Tajuddin’s dismissal had anything to do with him being a vocal critic of Zahid. 

This runs contrary to Zahid’s remark earlier today when he confirmed that Tajuddin was dropped due to his critical attitude towards Umno, reminding that while differing opinions are allowed, decisions finalised by the party’s leadership must be complied with.

“You have to ask him what statements he had made, whether in ceramahs (talks) or closed-door meetings. Ask him yourself,” Zahid reportedly told the press when asked to comment on the decision. 

On Facebook, Isham thanked party president Zahid and all Supreme Council members for entrusting him with the post.

“Not to forget Datuk Seri Najib who had given me guidance and support to me all this while,” he said.

“I will continue to struggle to provide a better life for the people and country, and for our future.” – The Vibes, June 24, 2022