Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic) today stressed that he would remain with the party even if he fails to defend his position, which he has held since 2009.
The Defence Minister said that his only wish was for Umno members to give the party president and deputy president the mandate to take Malaysia to higher levels.
"No matter what happens, I will continue to support the party's struggle. I will continue to strive with the party president to continue Umno's struggle," he told Utusan Malaysia in an interview.
"There is no more time to campaign now, but I will continue to fight no matter what happens," Hishammuddin said.
He again rejected suggestions that Umno's top leadership had issued instructions that the three current vice-presidents be re-elected in the general assembly.
"The Umno members should think about everything which we have managed to accomplish during our respective tenures."
"There are no cliques and we work for everyone. Umno members should remember that, what we have been doing, we have worked."
According to Hishammuddin, who is a former Umno Youth chief, his experience in the party and the two portfolios which he currently holds are the main assets on which Umno members should gauge his performance.
"History will note that we led the party through difficult times and succeeded. I think nobody can predict the outcome of the general assembly as this is the first time the grassroots will make the choice."
"The first test of the president and the deputy president's decision has been passed without any incidents. Tomorrow, the various wings will be tested."
"All of this is not just being observed by Umno members but by the Malaysian public and even the world. I am confident that the right choice will be made."
Hishammuddin, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal are the current Umno vice-presidents.
A six-corner tussle for the three positions has developed with the likes of Felda chairman Tan Sri Isa Samad, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and former Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam entering the fray.
The Malaysian Insider reported today that current figures indicated that Ahmad Zahid and Shafie had locked up two of the three spots in the vice-presidents' race.
The final spot is expected to go down the wire between Hishamuddin and Mukhriz. Mohd Ali also appears to have an outside chance of winning the final spot.
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