Why call us traitors, Hishammuddin asks on Umno MPs who supported Muhyiddin

Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein today welcomed the statement by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that no action would be taken against the 10 MPs who signed statutory declarations (SDs) in support of Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister after the Nov 19 polls.

However, he questioned the use of the term "traitor" to describe them, saying there was nothing to forgive as the accusation against them was unclear. 

"If they want to take action, then let them take it. I have nothing to fear because we have been consistent," Hishammuddin, who was among the senior Umno leaders who had criticised Zahid's talks with Pakatan Harapan in the aftermath of the election, added. 

"We made the SDs as the initial phase of trying to work together with Pakatan Harapan was at conflict with the party's position. And when the party made its decision, we were at odds so it was dangerous for us to withdraw the SDs. 

"Then after that, when the Agong issued his decree, we agreed to form a unity government. We believed that that, too, was the party's wish. 

"We agreed, so where is the treachery?" he told reporters after the president's policy speech at Umno's 2022 general assembly in Kuala Lumpur today. 

Yesterday, Zahid said the matter had passed, and that all 10 MPs had joined the government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

"I have stated that I have forgiven (them) for what happened, but I will continue with the party's disciplinary committee to monitor the current position, or (to see) if they have made any moves.

"But I am confident that they support the current government and I believe that the mistake in the past was due to the situation at that time," he told reporters.

Hishammuddin said that everyone, especially outside observers, was tired of the way Umno leaders were quarrelling and accusing one another, especially as the focus should be on the party's direction and its preparations to face the upcoming state elections. 

"We've already lost the general election. I hope that what we discuss at the general assembly this year is our direction and how to reduce the trust deficit against us. 

"That would be better than just using this platform to fight and attack each other. Enough is enough," he added. 

When asked if he planned to run in the party election this year, Hishammuddin declined to answer. 

He said it would be better to wait for the assembly's decision on whether there will be an election or not.