KOTA KINABALU – Warisan has denied the veracity of a statement, which has gone viral, on the party striking a deal with Islamist outfit PAS to support Umno’s Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as the next prime minister.
The Sabah party’s secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua Jr described the fake statement, allegedly signed by him and his PAS counterpart Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, as slander, adding that his signature was forged.
“I totally deny the contents of the media statement dated June 11. I have not, on behalf of Warisan or in my personal capacity, agreed to sign any accord with PAS to support any individual to be the prime minister.
“Warisan is not involved in the media statement, which could be the work of those hungry for power,” he said in a statement today.
He said he will lodge a police report on the matter after consulting his lawyer.
The fake statement made the rounds on social media after The Vibes reported on rife speculation that Umno MPs are being approached to vouch for Hishammuddin, who is also foreign minister, as the candidate for the deputy prime minister’s post.
What has set tongues wagging is that representations are being made to Umno members that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will step down as prime minister in the months ahead, allowing Hishammuddin to take over the top job, with Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali as his deputy.
Hishammuddin, in response, brushed aside the speculation.
“As the article states, these are rumours, and I don’t entertain rumours,” he tweeted.
“We should just concentrate on our #COVID19 response and strengthening our economy.” – The Vibes, June 11, 2021
