Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein would have been sacked from Umno if he was not a member of parliament, says Khairy Jamaluddin.
The latter, who was expelled from the party, claimed the former defence minister was spared the axe to ensure the stability of the unity government.
“The distinction between me and Hishammuddin is quite clear. I did not have the distinction of being in Parliament since I am not an MP.
“I think Hishammuddin would have been expelled if he was not an MP.
“He (party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) can’t afford to expel Hishammuddin since he needed the (MP) numbers for the (unity) government,” Khairy told BFM radio’s Breakfast Grille programme this morning.
The former Rembau MP was asked about the suspensions and sackings of members by the Umno supreme council on Friday.
Khairy also touched on allegations that Tan Sri Noh Omar was sacked for committing 16 offences in the 15th General Election.
“I saw the show-cause letter (issued against Noh). There were only three charges.
“We do not know where all the additional charges came from,” he said.
Khairy insisted that Umno’s action against him and other leaders was done without consensus.
“In fact, more people spoke against the suspension and the sacking,” he said.
Khairy also maintained his stand that the Umno leadership did not adhere to the party’s constitution and regulations.
“Just like any other organisation, there is due process to be followed. A show-cause letter needs to be sent out to the person who is being accused of committing disciplinary offences.
“The person accused should also be allowed to answer and explain to the disciplinary board.
“That never took place. I received no letter. I was not asked to represent myself before the disciplinary board. I was unilaterally and summarily dismissed,” he said. – NST