Former Gopeng Umno Wanita chief Hamidah Osman has lamented that she was made a sacrificial lamb when party president Najib Abdul Razak announced her sacking.

Hamidah pointed out that Umno veteran Dr Mahathir Mohamad was even more critical of Najib but was spared of any action.

"I am convinced that I was made the black sheep because they couldn't get the person they wanted so they settled for something less and I became the victim.

"If going by who was more critical, there are others who were more vocal, such as Tun (Mahathir), but why was no action taken (against him)?

"So why me? Is it because I am a woman or because he (Najib) wanted to send a message to frighten the rakyat?

"Because I am a woman, someone (seen as) weak, so action was taken against me," Hamidah told Malaysiakini after a press conference at Impian Hotel in Ipoh.

She called the press conference to formally respond to her sacking, which was announced after the Umno supreme council meeting on Tuesday.

Hamidah has been critical of Najib, including calling for his resignation over scandals such as his handling of 1MDB and the discovery of RM2.6 billion in his personal bank accounts, in both of which the prime minister denied any wrongdoing.

She also received a show-cause letter for being present to welcome Mahathir at Subang Airport.

Hamidah also warned that piling pressure on critical members may destroy the party.

She also reiterated her stance that she had no confidence in Najib.

"I have no confidence in Najib as prime minister because we (our situation) will become worse and I am worried," she said.