KUALA LUMPUR – There is no need to “jump the gun” or “make any open invitations” for anyone to join DAP, said party secretary-general Anthony Loke, referring to recently sacked Umno members.
He said it is up to the individuals to apply, but they have not indicated that they wish to do so.
“If anyone wants to apply, it is up to the respective parties to consider (taking them in as members). We don’t need to pre-empt anyone. We don’t have to jump the gun.
“I don’t think we need to make any open invitation. It’s up to the respective individuals (to decide) as they know what’s best for themselves,” he said at the sidelines of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year open house here today.
He added that the government components do not interfere in the respective parties’ business as they are focused on governance and policies.
“It is up to KJ (Khairy Jamaluddin) to chart his own direction,” Loke said, when pressed on the former health minister’s fate following his sacking from Umno.
Last night, former Umno Youth chief Khairy was given the boot as part of an internal purge, ending weeks of speculation about his fate.
Another high-profile member, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who once served as a party vice-president, has been given a six-year suspension.
Khairy confirmed his sacking in a tweet, saying, “Tonight I was sacked by the party I love, that I was always loyal to. Unbowed, unbent, unbroken.”
Six-year suspensions were also handed out to several other bigwigs, including former Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, former Jempol MP Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif and Tebrau division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang.
These actions taken by the party, announced by president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during an Umno Supreme Council meeting, were based on recommendations made by the disciplinary board. – The Vibes, January 28, 2023
