Report on me meeting 3 PH politicians a ‘total lie’, says Hisham

Former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein says people will always speculate and leaders must not let emotions get in the way.

PETALING JAYA: Hishammuddin Hussein has dismissed a news report that he had met three politicians from Pakatan Harapan to discuss plans to keep Dr Mahathir Mohamad in office.

“It’s not true,” the former Umno vice-president told FMT, referring to the Malaysiakini article. “It’s a total lie.”

Quoting sources, the portal had earlier today reported that Hishammuddin met PPBM’s Hamzah Zainudin and Redzuan Yusof as well as PKR deputy president Azmin Ali to discuss such plans.

Under a deal struck by PH, Anwar is supposed to succeed Mahathir as prime minister in two years’ time.

However last month, Mahathir said he would step down as prime minister before the next general election. The next general election is due in 2023.

In July, Azmin had said that Mahathir should be allowed to complete his five-year term.

The four, according to Malaysiakini, are now canvassing support from both ruling and opposition MPs.

Hishammuddin also said it was presumptuous to think he was in a position to retain Mahathir as the prime minister. “To imply such makes me look smug.”

Hishammuddin went on to say he was unsure who would be spreading such rumours and their motive, adding that such speculation is rife when people are generally unhappy.

The former minister also said it was not good for the country and, as much as he would like such talk to stop, he knows people won’t do so.

“So, we just have to ride it out and not let emotions get in the way.

“People will always speculate and it is times like this that leaders must be responsible, rational and lead with good sense,” he said.

Hishammuddin’s denial today comes days after he had refuted a claim that he was pushing for a government without DAP and Amanah. - FMT