KUALA LUMPUR, 27 March 2009: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he would assume the role of the Umno Youth adviser in the three by-elections on 7 April.
The former Umno Youth chief said the role was important as he was worried that stiff rivalry between the arch-rivals in the Youth chief post election could have tainted the integrity of the movement.
“As Umno Youth adviser, I think I can continue to play my usual role as there had been disappointment among those, who could not accept the verdict very well.
“But all quarters must accept the fact. The decision has been made. It saddened me as I had Umno Youth under control and united for 11 years, but it could not be continued by the new leader.
“But I am confident, Insya-Allah (God willing). I will be worried. Definitely not after 11 years, I just cannot leave it just like that… no,” he told reporters here today.
Hishammuddin, who is also Education Minister, said he hoped the new Youth leadership headed by Khairy Jamaluddin would concentrate on the three by-elections.
Umno Youth should close ranks in the face of the by-elections as the first hurdle under the new leadership, said Hishammuddin.
He hoped Khairy would fulfil his promise of mending the fence between his supporters and that of the two contenders, Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo and Datuk Mukriz Mahathir. — Bernama
