KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 ― Former Gopeng Wanita Umno division chief Datuk Hamidah Osman was expelled for joining an opposition event and not for inviting Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to speak at an event in Ipoh, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor explained today.

The Umno secretary-general said the party received information that she had criticised the Umno leadership at the opposition affair, although he did not provide details on the matter.

“When you sit on the same platform as the opposition and saying things against the party, I think this is unacceptable.

“We did the investigation, I reported it to the disciplinary board. When we received feedback that she sat on the same stage as the opposition, we had to take action,” Tengku Adnan said during an interview with selected media organisations at his office at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

“She can appeal; if she wants to appeal, ask her to appeal,” the Umno leader added.

It was speculated that Hamidah was expelled for organising a Bicara Negara event at Tower Regency Hotel, Ipoh, where Dr Mahathir spoke out against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and criticised him over several issues including 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

But Hamidah has maintained that she remains loyal to the party and its cause despite being sacked as a member.

She said her expulsion from the party has not changed her belief that Umno is the only party that fights for the Malay community.

Hamidah will convene a press conference soon to respond to her sacking.

On Tuesday, Umno president Najib announced that the party has decided to sack Hamidah for breaking party rules.

Najib made the announcement in a brief press conference held at the Parliament building after a two-hour meeting with Umno supreme council members.

The Umno president also did not provide further detail on the party’s reason for sacking Hamidah.