Umno Yet To Receive Resignation Letter From Apandi Says Annuar

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Umno has yet to receive the resignation letter of its disciplinary board chairperson Mohamed Apandi Ali, according to the party secretary-general Annuar Musa today
"Not yet," Annuar (above) said when asked if Umno received any resignation from Apandi in writing
Apandi's resignation came after he complained the disciplinary proceeding against former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, which was slated for Dec 26, was postponed
Yesterday, Bernama quoted Apandi (below, left) as saying he resigned as he wanted to retain his integrity following interference in a disciplinary proceeding against Hishammuddin (right)

“Nobody in the political hierarchy can interfere with the functions of the disciplinary board. As I said, it is unconstitutional and unlawful. I cannot condone such things, it goes against the principle of my ardent belief in the rule of law,” Apandi said. Hishammuddin was served a show-cause letter on Dec 13, and was required to appear before the disciplinary board today. However, the hearing did not materialise
The planned hearing came after Hishammuddin's alleged involvement in a gathering of Umno MPs at PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali's official residence on Nov 19
Immediately after the gathering, Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Adam accused Hishammuddin of rallying Umno MPs for Azmin
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, however, deemed the matter resolved after he met Hishammuddin and the Umno MPs to get their word that all 38 of the Umno lawmakers would act en bloc
When contacted today, former Umno Supreme Council member Mohammed Nazri Abdul Aziz (below) said the disciplinary board should not proceed with the hearing against Hishammuddin
He said the party president wanted closure on the matter for the sake of unity within Umno
"We want to be united, for sure, if disciplinary action is taken against Hishammuddin, it is going to affect our party," he said
Nazri said even if the disciplinary board went on with its proceeding, it still needs to present its findings to the Supreme Council to be approved
He believed the Supreme Council members will stand by Zahid on this matter
"I am pretty sure the Supreme Council will not approve it (the findings of the disciplinary board)... If the Supreme Council rejects it, then it is going to be the same," he said
"So, what is the point of investigating (Hishammuddin)?" he said
He said this is not an interference as accused by Apandi, who is also the former attorney-general
"I think Apandi is emotional. If he wants to leave (the disciplinary board), he can leave, it is not going to make any difference to the party," he said
When asked, Nazri said the new disciplinary board chairperson should be someone who is willing to abide by the decision of the party
Meanwhile, a source told Malaysiakini that Lokman (above), the staunch supporter of former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak, has lodged a complaint with the disciplinary board
"He expected the board to continue with proceedings despite the party president saying the matter has been resolved," said the Supreme Council source
"His agenda is about Najib, it is not about Umno. He wanted the leadership to look bad. He wanted Najib to be appointed as BN chairperson," said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity
Malaysiakini has attempted to contact Lokman for comment.  - Mkini

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