Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mingles with the locals after arriving for the launch of the 1AMANWEEK 2018: Combat Crime and War against Drugs at Dataran Bagan Datuk. Pic by AIZUDDIN SAAD
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mingles with the locals after arriving for the launch of the 1AMANWEEK 2018: Combat Crime and War against Drugs at Dataran Bagan Datuk. Pic by AIZUDDIN SAAD

BAGAN DATUK: Umno members who had seconded or were the proposers for party candidates who contested as independents or on opposition tickets will be sacked immediately, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid said there were several Umno leaders from the branch levels who contested as independent candidates.

“As stated in the Umno constitution, these individuals will be automatically sacked. Not only those who contested but the seconder and the proposer too. Action will also be taken against party members who sponsored these candidates.

“They will automatically be booted out of Umno,” he said after launching 1AMANWEEK 2018: Combat Crime and War against Drugs at Dataran Bagan Datuk here today.

Asked how many of the party members were involved, Zahid said he did not have the figures off hand.

Also present were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun and the Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivers his speech at the launching of the 1AMANWEEK 2018: Combat Crime and War against Drugs at Dataran Bagan Datuk. Pic by AIZUDDIN SAAD
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivers his speech at the launching of the 1AMANWEEK 2018: Combat Crime and War against Drugs at Dataran Bagan Datuk. Pic by AIZUDDIN SAAD

Zahid also gave the thumbs-up to all those who ensured a smooth nomination process yesterday.

“Thank you to Inspector General of Police (Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun) and the police for ensuring the whole process was relatively incident free.

“There was only one incident that was reported involving the usage of drone but that is under the responsibility of the DCA (Department of Civil Aviation).

“Apart from that, I am satisfied with the nomination process at all 222 centres nationwide including Sabah and Sarawak as well as the hot spots and flashpoint areas,” he said.

Zahid - who is also Home Minister - said he hoped the situation would remain the same for 10 days until polling day which fallson May 9.

“I hope all political parties would respect each other as well as the rules and control their emotions,” he said.