Shahelmy is still an Umno member, not an independent representative - Jeffery Nor

KOTA KINABALU - Umno Putatan Division Chief Jeffery Nor Mohamed clarified the misconception that Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya was expelled from the party, instead he was just suspended

Jeffrey was referring to Shahelmey's recent statement that he openly accepted the revocation of his membership in Umno.

"However, based on the statement made by Umno President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, after officiating the Asia Pacific Youth Cooperative Summit 4.0, it is clear that Shahelmy's membership was not revoked but suspended.

"This means that Datuk Shahelmy is still a member of Umno and not an independent representative.

As the Umno Putatan Division Chief, I can also confirm that he is still a member of Umno Putatan because matters related to Umno membership in the Putatan division are my responsibility," he said in a statement on Thursday.

In connection with this, he also said that the Anti-Party-Hopping Act can be used to vacate the seats held.

"If he uses this as an implied intention to move to another party, that is his personal right.

"However, I would like to remind that if he does so, the Anti-Party-Hopping Act that was presented in Parliament on July 28 2022, and in the Sabah State Assembly on May 25 2023, will be in effect, and he must vacate both his parliamentary and state assembly seats.

"I hereby request an explanation and evidence that he was suspended or expelled from Umno and to clarify his position and not delay in stating his true stance.

"To express support for anyone is up to him, that is his right, but the constitutional process and the Anti-Party-Hopping Act must be upheld," he said.

Sinar reported on July 30 that Ahmad Zahid had explained that Shahelmey who is also the Assemblyman for Tanjung Keramat, suspension from Umno was done internally.

Shahelmey is also Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister III, and the Putatan MP.