Tanah Merah MP latest Umno exit

Umno's Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz has today announced his resignation from the party.

Ikmal, who was the party's Tanah Merah division chief, stated that he had the best interests of his constituents at heart when making his decision.

His name was included in a list of names of several MPs rumoured to be leaving the party, which had been shared online, including Jempol MP Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif and Jelebu MP Jalaluddin Alias.

However, Mohd Salim denied the claim when contacted by Malaysiakini earlier today, while Jalaluddin's departure was denied by Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

Mohamad stated that he had yet to investigate the veracity of the planned departure of the other Umno lawmakers named on the list.

Ikmal's exit now leaves Umno with just 43 seats in Parliament. Since the 14th general election in May, 10 other MPs have left the party.

[More to follow] - Mkini