PETALING JAYA, Jun 1 — An Umno leader aims to consult the party’s supreme council over the move to end monthly support payments to divisions, after suggesting that the move may have been taken without consultation.

According to the Berita Harian newspaper, Parit Sulong Umno Division chief Datuk Zulkarnain Kamisan also said he only received the notification letter via WhatsApp.

He expressed suspicion that the move was decided by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor alone.

“I don't think there was any discussion (on the cuts); Tengku Adnan made the decision,” he was quoted as saying.

He stressed that any austerity measures should be discussed by the supreme council so that all views are heard.

Zulkarnain’s assertion appeared supported by Umno treasurer general Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak’s apparent ignorance over the move.

“I don't know, you ask Ku Nan (Tengku Adnan),” he said when asked about the letter.

Hulu Selangor Umno division chief Datuk Johan Abd Aziz was receptive of the move, however, saying it was likely taken to reduce overheads.

“This could be part of a preliminary step, seeing the necessitous condition that we are in, to streamline cost, “ he said.