Hishammuddin: Pressure Won't Jeopardise Transition Process - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth head Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Tuesday the pressure placed by certain groups on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down as Umno president would not jeopardise the transition of power to the Umno deputy president.

Hishammuddin, who is also the Education Minister, said that just like the general election, the process of expressing opinions and throwing proposals was a normal one and should be carried out with sincerity so that appropriate changes could be implemented.

"This is the process that we are going through now to look at ourselves and listen to the things that need to be done to meet the party's cause and the changes occurring within the party to meet the aspirations of the people and the grassroots members," he said after the celebration to mark the success of athletes from the Malaysian Education Ministry (KPM) at the 24th SEA Games and the 4th Asean Para games in Korat, Thailand, at a hotel, here.

He said such pressures were normal in politics although Abdullah had already announced that the transition of power would be carried out by naming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Umno deputy president, as his successor.

However, Hishammuddin said placing pressure was not the practice and culture in Umno.

He said that beginning Thursday, he would go down on the ground to seek views from the Youth leaders on the changes going on in the party.

"The views from the grassroots will eventually be brought to the attention of the party president and deputy president and I believe this is the best approach for them to discuss again the transition so that the implementation will be proper and with decorum," he said.

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