Umno sacks Isham Jalil - party sources

The Umno supreme council moved to sack estranged leader Isham Jalil from the party last night.

Three sources who attended the supreme council meeting yesterday confirmed the matter with Malaysiakini, saying the decision was made via consensus.

"Many of his actions breached party rules, including criticising the leadership openly and labelling the party as 'barua DAP' (DAP's lackeys) in his latest statement," a source told Malaysiakini.

Isham was previously appointed as Umno information chief and was elected to the supreme council in March this year.

However, he had a falling-out with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, primarily over the party's cooperation with DAP beyond being partners in government.

One source told Malaysiakini that Isham has missed at least four Umno supreme council meetings.

Another supreme council member, who declined to be named, said Isham should have had the courage to voice his criticisms against the party and Zahid face to face.

"He should have been bold and attended (the meeting), defend his views if he thinks it is right.

"But he only criticises openly on social media. For violating party rules, it was right that he was sacked," the source said.

Malaysiakini has been attempting to contact Isham (above) since last night, unsuccessfully.

Meanwhile, Umno has also carried out a leadership reshuffle in Terengganu and Johor.

Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi is now the state party chief, replacing Khaled Nordin.

Meanwhile, Rozi Mamat has been appointed as the new Terengganu Umno chief, replacing former menteri besar Ahmad Said.

The reshuffle was announced by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki on Facebook.