Suspended UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal announced his decision to quit from the party with immediate effect today.
The Semporna Sabah division chief made the announcement in front of thousands of UMNO members and supporters at a function in his Parliamentary constituency.
"I do not want to conspire with any wrongdoings. Ladies and gentlemen, on this noble day, I, Mohd Shafie bin Haji Apdal, announce my resignation from the UMNO party," he said on stage.
He said, UMNO's battle today is very different from what it was before.
"Our UMNO is no longer transparent, it is disappointing, when we speak up to better the party, we are accused of being traitors. I have never once sat with the Opposition and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin or Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir or his father, Tun Mahathir, for the Citizens' Declaration.
"I didn't do all that because I was still UMNO vice-president at the time. In the recent by-elections, I supported all Barisan Nasional candidates," he said.
According to Mohd Shafie, there were quarters in Sabah UMNO who had suggested for his suspension. He said he was shocked that the Supreme Council had came to that decision.
"It's alright, I accept what Allah SWT has decided for me, I feel that is it good that I leave the party. However, I will continue to fight for the fate of Sabahans."
The Semporna MP also denied rumours that he would be joining the Opposition or create a new party.
The event, held within the compound of his house, was also attended by Kadazan Dusun Murut Malaysia president Datuk Peter Anthony and several UMNO wings leaders including former Semporna UMNO Youth chief Datuk Aziz Jamman, former Semporna UMNO vice chief Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong and Semporna Wanita UMNO chief Manis Muka Dara who had earlier announced her resignation from the party.
On June 24, the UMNO Supreme Council (MT) made a unanimous decision to sack deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and MT member Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
They were sacked for sharing the same stage with opposition leaders and attacking the party leadership.
At the same meeting, they also decided to suspend Mohd Shafie.
Three days later, leaders of three wings and 300 branch chiefs from Semporna UMNO quit the party in protest of Mohd Shafie's suspension.
Astro Awani
Mon Jul 04 2016
Mohd Shafie announced his decision to leave UMNO with immediate effect today. - Filepic
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