Nine branch leaders from the Teluk Kemang Umno division who had criticised party president Najib Abdul Razak have lost their right to vote and stand as candidates for leadership positions in the party for six years.

Their spokesperson Mohd Zein Mustapa said the decision to suspend them clearly shows that democracy is dead in Umno.

“We received the decision of the disciplinary 'hearing' held on Dec 3, and were informed that we have lost our right to elect and be chosen (to run for posts) as Umno members.

“This also means that we cannot voice out as Umno members,” Mohd Zein said at a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

The branch leaders have lodged a report with the Registrar of Societies over the RM2.6 billion donation deposited into Najib's personal accounts.

Calling themselves Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia, they have also called on Najib to step down.

Where is Najib’s ‘gentlemanly’ gesture?

Hence, Mohd Zein, who is the Taman Datuk Haji Abdul Samad branch chief, questioned where is Najib's gentlemanly gesture, because people who question him are being punished.

“In Najib’s speech yesterday he said he is a ‘ gentleman ’ (and people could talk to him if there are any problems). Looks like he is confused about the real meaning of a 'gentleman'.

“Where is the ‘gentleman’ in the president when people who criticise him are punished?” he asked.

Najib in his speech yesterday had proclaimed himself to be a 'gentleman' who welcomes anyone to sit down and discuss matters with him.

"I am a gentleman; if any problem arises, come and meet me and we can discuss. Let's solve them through proper channels," the Umno president said yesterday.

If Najib is such a magnanimous leader, Mohd Zein said he would not allow "people who criticise him to step down as they are considered friends who do not want to see him destroy himself".

Those whom Najib considers friends today are those who support him blindly and are defending their self-interest.

Mohd Zein said they accepted the decision and would discuss whether to appeal.