Gopeng Wanita chief sacked

KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno supreme council today sacked its Gopeng division Wanita chief Datuk Hamidah Osman (pix) with immediate effect for breaching party rules.
Announcing this after chairing the supreme council meeting, Najib said the decision was made unanimously because Hamidah had failed to adhere to party discipline.
The decision was announced after a three-hour discussion, which was part of the party's disciplinary action agenda. It was held at a meeting room in Parliament.
On the party's decision to hold its meeting here, Najib said should there be a split vote, then they can ensure the members' attendance.
"It is not something unusual," he told a packed press conference.
Najib added that the members had also discussed Umno's journey to gain the rakyat's trust and all that needed to be done.
On the upcoming Umno annual general meeting scheduled to be held next month, both the Wanita and Puteri leaders will launch their own meetings. This is their wish, said Najib.
Also present were party secretary-general Tengku Datuk Seri Adnan Tengku Mansor, vice-presidents Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
They declined to respond why deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal were not seen at the meeting.
It is understood that Muhyiddin is currently overseas while Mohd Shafie is performing the umrah.
Najib left the press conference without taking questions.
Hamidah, who had been vocal in her criticism against the leadership, had reportedly said that Najib's resignation was vital to save the party's image and interests.
"I'm ready to accept my termination, but Najib should quit. He always says you need to sacrifice and put aside personal interests.
"So, why doesn't he put aside his personal interests and sacrifice for Malaysians and Umno?" she was reported to have said in September.
Hamidah is one of the Umno leaders, including Muhyiddin and Shafie, who were speculated to be sacked from the party.
She was served with a show-cause letter some time ago for allegedly organising an anti-Najib talk in Perak but had denied this allegation.
"I did not organise the programme, but if that's the reason (they want to sack me) I don't care," Hamidah had said.