‘DON’T QUESTION MY APPOINTMENT’: ALREADY HISHAM CRACKS THE WHIP ON ZAHID’S ‘TEAM B’, OTHER RIVALS WITHIN UMNO

Hishammuddin Hussein has cautioned all quarters against exploiting his appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of special functions to create rifts in the government leadership.

“Let there be no parties that try to create a fuss as well as try to find points to make us fight… because (Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad) Zahid (Hamidi) has made a statement saying he himself accepts this (the appointment),” he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Hishammuddin was appointed by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as special functions minister effective today.

Zahid, in a statement, said he supported the move, and pointed out that Hishammuddin’s new tasks included strengthening bilateral relations with other countries as well as specific tasks to smoothen government administration.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin also dismissed PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli’s speculation regarding his appointment.

“That is just Rafizi spinning. That is his job. So why should I bother with what he says. He did not appoint me,” he added.

ANSWERABLE ONLY TO THE PM ‘HIMSELF’

Rafizi had claimed that the appointment was a direct endorsement from Najib, and did not bode well for Zahid.

“I hope the media would not listen to those who want to fan (flames) and create fights. Rafizi is a ‘kaki kipas’ (agent provocateur), so I want to tell him, he won’t succeed,” Hishammuddin said.

Asked what his new job will entail, Hishammuddin replied “whatever the prime minister needs will be discussed with him, himself”.

“This (portfolio) will allow me to continue assisting the prime minister together with Zahid, (we) will spread the duties and give cooperation and undivided support to the prime minister,” he added.

– M’kini