HISHAMMUDDIN: Leadership transition between PM, DPM should serve as a guide for UMNO members

KUALA LUMPUR, FRI:

The smooth leadership transition between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should serve as a guide for all Umno members, said Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said if Umno members adhered to the same practice in succession planning, it would help further strengthen the party.

“The decision by the Prime Minister to hand over the leadership clearly shows he is not a person intent on holding on to power,” he said in a statement here today.

On Wednesday, Abdullah announced he would not be defending the Umno president post at the party’s polls in March and named Najib as his sucessor.

Hishammuddin also said he held in high esteem the maturity and unwavering support of Najib to Abdullah and placing party interest before self in facing the current political leadership scenario.
“His readiness in respecting the wishes of the grassroots is an important criteria in being the leader of the nation and party,” he said.

According to Hishammuddin, he was confident the Deputy Prime Minister would be able the shoulder the responisbility of leading the nation based on his vast leadership experience at the state, federal and international levels.

“Personally, I will continue to give my full suport to Datuk Seri Abdullah and place full faith in Datuk Seri Najib to plan the best economic, political and social agendas for the country,” he added.