Hishammuddin: no one betrayed UMNO with statutory declarations

Focus Malaysia:

Hishammuddin: no one betrayed UMNO with statutory declarations

FORMER Minister of Defence Hishammuddin Hussein defended his actions regarding the statutory declarations (SDs) made before the formation of the Unity Government.

He expressed confusion over why he is labeled a betrayer. Speaking to the media during an Umno meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Hishamuddin detailed the events that led to his withdrawal of support for another leader.

Although he did not specify who the original SD was for, he explained that party members had initially signed SDs in support of a certain group.

However, once the party decided to join the Unity Government, those members aligned with the party’s decision.

“In the initial stages of the effort to be together with PH, it conflicted with the party’s stance on SDs. After His Majesty (the King) urged forming a unity government, we all agreed,” he said.

Hishamuddin questioned why some members are labeled as ‘betrayers’ and expressed his gratitude to party leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for ‘forgiving’ those accused of betrayal.

“We have never betrayed the party’s struggle,” he insisted. “But even today, I don’t know why we are accused of being traitors. First of all, I would like to thank the President for forgiving 10 people who were said to be traitors,” he added. – Aug 24, 2024