Umno members can be investigated for disciplinary action even without any complaints made against them.

In fact, Umno constitution has a clear provision for action to be taken against members who violate the party's regulations.

Umno executive secretary Ab Rauf Yusoh said members who make public statements through the mass media to the extent of jeopardising the party, could also be investigated and referred to the party's disciplinary board.

"The member involved will be referred to Umno disciplinary board for further investigation and any action against the member will be decided at the board's meeting," he told Bernama in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ab Rauf said according to Clause 20.8 of Umno constitution, all members must love the party and (a) abide by party constitution and code of ethics; (b) follow party instructions; (c) carry out party policies; (d) adhere and respect decisions of the party (e) protect the secrets of the party; (f) protect the good name and honour of the party; (g) always display good social behaviour.

Clause 20.9 also states that any member who violates the provisions of the constitution or the code of ethics is punishable by warning; suspension of membership; and prohibited from contesting for any party posts or as candidate in general or by-election for any period to be determined by the party's supreme council.

The member can also be expelled from the party and be disciplined with punishment deemed appropriate and in accordance with the party constitution.

Prior to this, Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said seven Umno leaders were being investigated for publicly criticising the party and that they might face suspension of their membership and lose their positions in the party.

Several Umno leaders were reported to have joined former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in issuing public statements criticising the leadership of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

They include former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former rural and regional development minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, and Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Meanwhile, Prof Ahmad Marthada Mohamed, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) dean of the college of law, government and international studies, said Umno's stability would be affected and there would be confusion among the members if those who violated party's constitution were not punished.

"If no action were taken, this will prove that although Umno has its regulations, it will not be used, especially against certain individuals," he said.

The professor said Umno should be quick and bold in making decision to reduce the negative public perception on the party.

However, he stressed that action must should be taken wisely and through consensus reached by the supreme council.

"Those who face disciplinary action must also be given the opportunity to enter their defence in the name of justice.

"After hearing their submissions, then it is up to the members of the supreme council to propose suitable action to the disciplinary board...this was once done by former party president Dr Mahathir Mohamad, when he called the then deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim for an explanation," he said.

- Bernama