As Umno rushes to stem the tide of dissent within the party by expelling 61 party members who have chosen to contest in the coming general election as Independents, it is interesting to note that these numbers from the Malay nationalist party account for 22 percent of the total 270 Independents contesting in parliament and state seats across Malaysia.

NONE This brings to question caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's much touted “ transformation ” and “winnable” candidates selection, as the 61 expelled today is seen as the largest number from Umno compared to the past 12th general election, and could signify growing unrest within the party.

However, Umno is not to have been plagued by a flood of Independents among members contesting in the 222 parliament and 505 state seats nationwide, as other parties within the BN coalition and also opposition parties PAS, DAP and PKR are also largely affected.

Out of the 270 Independents , 79 of them are contesting in parliament seats while 191 are fighting for state seats.

Among the notable Umno big-wigs which have been given the boot, as announced by Umno disciplinary committee chairperson Tengku Ahmad Ritauddeen Ismail, include Umno Wanita deputy chief Kamilia Ibrahim ( below ) who is contesting in the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat, using a book logo.

NONE Others include former deputy agriculture minister and former Penang deputy chief minister Shariff Omar, who is re-contesting the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary seat and also Sungai Dua state seat. Shariff was Tasek Gelugor Umno division committee member before his dismissal today.

Bandar Tun Razak Umno division saw two senior division members expelled - Sukeri Abd Samat (organising secretary) and Mokhtar Salehudin (division chief).

They are contesting in a four-way contest against incumbent Khalid Ibrahim, who is caretaker Selangor Menteri Besar, and BN's Tan Kok Eng.

Also on the chopping board is Sepang Umno Youth chief Suhaimi Mohd Ghazali, who is contesting there against incumbent and former Works minister Md Zin Mohamed, the Selangor BN coordinator.

Singer not spared

A number of Umno division committee members were also given the axe, including Ghazali Salamon ( Bakri ), Yaacob Man ( Padang Besar ), Mohd Yusof Lazim ( Sungai Petani ), Abdul Aziz Mohamed ( Gua Musang ).

All of them are contesting in state seats within their respective constituencies.

NONE Even 1980's dangdut singer Herman Tino ( left ), whose real name is Masrum Tamsir, is not exempted. He is contesting against Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Noh Omar in Tanjung Karang .

Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen also said the party disciplinary committee is calling three others for show cause, including one who did not submit his nomination form.

Although he did not mention any names, it is believed he was referring to BN’s intended Pasir Mas candidate Che Johan Che Pa , who paved the way for a straight fight between Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali and Kelantan menteri besar's son Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.

It is interesting to note that Sabah Umno members constitute almost half of those expelled today, with 30 names.

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