Hisham: We stayed with narrative

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein is questioning why he and several other lawmakers were labelled traitors despite having followed party directions after the 15th General Election.

He said the MPs had reverted to Barisan Nasional’s decision of remaining neutral after GE15 as none of the contesting coalitions had successfully secured a majority.

The Sembrong MP echoed the sentiments of Jelebu MP Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who said that they signed the statutory declaration to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in accordance with Barisan’s narrative at the time.

“However, when the party decided to remain neutral, all of us revoked our support.

“And when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decreed the formation of the unity government, we agreed to it.

“How was that treacherous?” he asked when met after the presidential address during the Umno general assembly at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, which took place yesterday.

Hishammuddin was one of the 10 MPs called out by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during a closed-door briefing on Wednesday.

The Barisan treasurer also said he thanked Ahmad Zahid for forgiving the lawmakers involved and said he would leave it to the party if it wants to take action against them.

“If they (the party) want to take action, go for it.

“I don’t have anything to worry about,” he added.

Hishammuddin reminded party members not to use the general assembly as a platform to attack each other as the public was tired of Umno’s infighting.

“The general assembly should be the platform to discuss our efforts in reducing the trust deficit of the public towards the party and to prepare for state elections.

“This is better than attacking each other in the party,” he said.

On the issue of party polls, he said he would consider contesting.

“Let’s wait for the outcome of the Umno general assembly.

“I might be contesting too,” he said without specifying which position he is eyeing.

Meanwhile, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir declined to say which position he looks to contest.

Regarding the top two positions of president and deputy president, Zambry said he echoed the call from Ahmad Zahid to let delegates attending the general assembly decide whether the posts should be contested or not.