Johor: Johor UMNO chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will bring to the party’s top leadership a Sembrong UMNO Division resolution proposing that former division chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein’s suspension be lifted. Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor Menteri Besar, acknowledged Hishammuddin’s significant contributions to the party, saying the former minister had guided him when he first entered politics.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Onn Hafiz emphasized the personal impact Hishammuddin had on his political career. ‘Sembrong is not just a political constituency; it’s where I first learned the meaning of struggle and got my start in politics – and the person who brought me into it was Datuk Seri (Hishammuddin),’ he said when opening the Sembrong UMNO Division delegates meeting. He added that although Hishammuddin was not present at the event, the motion tabled by the division reflected the grassroots’ appreciation for his leadership.

Onn Hafiz expressed his commitment to advocate for the lifting of Hishammuddin’s suspension. ‘I’ve been informed that a motion has been tabled urging UMNO’s top leadership to consider reinstating him at the Sembrong division level. God willing, as Johor UMNO chairman, I will bring this resolution to the highest level,’ he said.

Sembrong UMNO Division chief Datuk Abdul Ghani Abdul Rashid highlighted the continuity of the call for Hishammuddin’s return, noting that this was the second consecutive year the motion had been presented. He stated, ‘We brought up this motion last year as well, calling for the six-year suspension to be revoked. The members here have made it clear – they want the suspension lifted unconditionally.’

Abdul Ghani further remarked on Hishammuddin’s extensive experience in government and UMNO, emphasizing its importance to the party’s strength. He expressed hope that the party’s top leadership would seriously consider the motion.

UMNO had previously implemented an internal cleansing process, resulting in the suspension or expulsion of several leaders, including Hishammuddin, former UMNO information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and former Selangor UMNO chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar. Hishammuddin’s suspension, effective from January 27, 2023, is set to last six years, equivalent to two Supreme Council election terms.