Hishammuddin wants to defend his Sembrong MP seat

SHAH ALAM: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic) wishes to stay in his Sembrong seat as he does not know of any other place to go to.

“I don’t know any other place and as far as I know, the people of Sembrong have also suggested to the party leadership that no other name be nominated,” he said after sending off the first batch of Malaysia Battalion soldiers for a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon here yesterday.

However, Hishammuddin, who is Barisan Nasional treasurer-general, said anything can happen and he is hoping for the best and prepared for the worst.

Asked to comment on PKR’s announcement of what it said were “high-profile” candidates, he said it will be the voters who will decide who is best to represent them.

“The candidacy issue is exciting, but in reality, the rakyat will only support those who work and provide service in their constituencies,” said Hishammuddin, who has been serving as the Sembrong MP since 2004.

During a press conference to announce PKR candidates on Wednesday, its party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said among the party’s candidates are Nik Omar, the son of the late PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who will contest in Perak.

The other PKR candidates are former Perak state secretary Datuk Zainal Azman Abu Seman, who will also be fielded in Perak, while Dr Noraishah Mydin Abd Aziz and Jufitri Joha will contest in Negri Sembilan.

Datuk Dr Hassan Basri Awang Mat Dahan will be fielded in Pahang and Saipolyazan M. Yusof will contest in Selangor.