'Being removed from Umno hurt my family' - Ex-Umno Seberang Jaya member reveals

SEBERANG JAYA – Being sacked from Umno in 2012 without any chance to defend himself was not only hurtful to him, but also his family, says former Seberang Jaya Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah.

In an exclusive interview with Sinar Daily, Arif said the incident happened in 2012.

"I cannot really remember if it’s not somewhere in 2012. But it’s okay. However, it hurts my family the most.

"It is because maybe they can see that all the while I have been devoting myself not only to the people, but also to the members (party).

"They (BN) shouldn't have done that to me.

"At least give me a chance to defend myself and give me the real reason (why he was sacked)," Arif said.

When asked about what might be the reason of his removal from the Malay party, he said there were accusations thrown against him and he was not given any opportunity to explain.

He added that it might be due to him being vocal in the party.

However, he said he had already accepted his fate.

At that time, he said he offered himself to either contest as the Umno division chief or deputy division chief, but he was advised against it.

"When I wanted to submit my form, I was informed (by others) better not to because they were ready at the nomination centre, which sat me in a way," he revealed.

Arif served for two terms as the Seberang Jaya assemblyman from 2004 to 2013 under BN.