KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he is ready to step down as foreign minister if Umno orders him to do so, but urged the party to have a clear direction on its future.
The considerations made by the party should not be based on emotions and short-term goals, he said in a Facebook post.
“This is because the decisions made will determine the rise and fall of Umno, affect the party’s core principles, and influence its position in the next general election.”
The Barisan Nasional treasurer-general and Sembrong Umno chief reminded that the coalition won only 79 seats in the 2018 elections, down from the 133 it took in the 2013 polls.
“We are still at war with Covid-19. Daily cases are rising and the country is facing floods. Umno is given a chance to prove that we are capable leaders.
“Planning Umno’s political allegiances must be done carefully, given that the elections are not being held tomorrow.
“If Umno refuses to work with Bersatu, who will they cooperate with next?
“To the Supreme Council that will meet today, let party members and citizens be clear on what Umno really wants. Make good decisions.”
The Perikatan Nasional administration is facing uncertainty due to the public feud between Umno and Bersatu.
On Sunday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that 143 of the party’s 191 division chiefs reject cooperation with Bersatu heading into the 15th general election. – The Vibes, January 6, 2021
