KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Umno should reconsider its move not to participate in debates at the party’s general assembly this week, says its secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

       He said delegates would want to hear views from their colleagues from Johor, particularly on the secret of their successful outing at the just-concluded state election.

       He added that Umno headquarters has not been informed of Johor delegates pulling out from speaking at the assembly, but admitted to hearing talk about it.

       “We sincerely hope that Johor Umno will take part in deliberations because their views are valuable to the party,” he said when contacted yesterday.

       Ahmad hoped there would be a change of stand when debates take place during the general assembly which begins tomorrow.

       “We pray that our friends from Johor will change their minds.”

       Johor Umno deputy liaison chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said for the moment, delegates from the state would not participate in debates.

       “There is a feeling of sadness that our rights and choice have been denied.

       “There is massive disappointment among us, leaving us with no enthusiasm to take part in the debates. The situation may change but let’s see what happens,” he said when contacted.

       There has been talk that Johor delegates don’t want to be involved in any debate at the Umno general assembly following the appointment of the new Mentri Besar.

       In a recent Facebook post, Johor Baru Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrir Samad admitted to feeling disappointed and ashamed over the crisis.

       He said during the state election campaigns, he had ridiculed Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional for not being able to name their Mentri Besar candidate.

       “For sure, Umno had Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad as its Mentri Besar candidate. But that seems to be not strong enough and there is nothing that Johor Umno can do,” he wrote.

       Shahrir said he was embarrassed to attend the general assembly.