KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) and its linchpin Umno have a lot to do to regain the people’s confidence, said Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
In a response on his political future, he released a video on social media saying that he remains an Umno loyalist despite speculation claiming otherwise.
Hishammuddin, who is also BN treasurer-general, noted that the coalition suffered a big loss in the 15th general election (GE15), only winning 30 seats.
“The results should be a wake-up call for BN and Umno members. We need to work on reclaiming public support for the longevity of the party.
“We cannot allow any more missteps. The road in the future will not be easy.”
Perjalanan saya dalam politik sejak dari peringkat UMNO Cawangan Sungai Mati, Bahagian Ledang tidak pernah mudah. Itulah asam garam perjuangan.
— Hishammuddin Hussein ?? (@HishammuddinH2O) December 22, 2022
Ramai tanya saya, apa pendirian terkini dan hala tuju selepas melalui satu lagi episod sukar di PRU-15. Ini jawapan ringkas saya. pic.twitter.com/CXbG6s61wf
He also advised party grassroots to close ranks for the sake of the party.
Much of Umno’s plans will be made clear during its general assembly, which has been postponed to January 11-14.
Two days after GE15, Hishammuddin had rejected the notion of working with then rival Pakatan Harapan (PH) as no coalition garnered a simple majority to form the federal government.
He said he would rather be sacked by Umno than change his stand.
He later said he would remain with the party come rain or shine, and even denied reports speculating that he was offered the prime minister post.
He also denied being involved in any negotiations, be it with Perikatan Nasional or PH.
After the formation of a unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Hishammuddin was not appointed to the cabinet but Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was picked as deputy prime minister. – The Vibes, December 23, 2022