Hishammuddin questions Dr M’s sincerity

In 1993, he said he had acted to protect the country, but now his argument is different, says Umno vice-president.

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein questioned the sincerity of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in making an apology for curtailing the power of royal assent to laws.

Hishamuddin said Dr Mahathir had said at the time that he had acted to ensure that no institution or parties could undermine the country’s interests.

“But now his argument is different and we wonder whether he was truly sincere. His actions don’t match his words,” he said at a press conference after opening Setiawangsa Umno’s divisional meeting.

Last week Mahathir apologised for a constitutional amendment in 1993 that allowed laws passed by Parliament to be gazetted automatically after 30 days even if royal assent was withheld.

Hishamuddin said that many things needed to be done by the government if anyone wanted to amend the law again. “We can’t move the goal posts, because we must also be responsible over the actions made then, as Umno in power,” he said.

Dr Mahathir’s apology was made in relation to the National Security Council Act which came into effect on Aug 1, although it had not received royal assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.