PETALING JAYA: A state Umno leader has expressed concern that the appointment of Hishammuddin Hussein as deputy prime minister would be detrimental to the party, following rumours the foreign minister was being considered for the post.
The leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said making Hishamuddin’s the country’s number 2 would be akin to “Peja appointing Aznel”, in reference to former Perak menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu’s decision to appoint Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Aznel Ibrahim as his political secretary.
Former prime minister Najib Razak had previously said Aznel’s appointment, which was made without referring to the Perak Umno leadership, was one of the causes of Faizal’s ouster.
But the source warned that in Hishammuddin’s case, the consequences to Umno’s unity would be “more damaging and far-reaching”.
“This act will definitely invite inevitable reaction and retaliation from other members and MPs.
“Not unlike what Peja did, this appointment, if it materialises, will indicate explicitly that Umno leadership within the party is irrelevant and Umno as a coalition partner is a mere passenger,” the source said.
Earlier today, citing sources, The Malaysian Insight reported that Hishammuddin is expected to be named as the deputy prime minister.
According to the news portal, the Sembrong MP and former Umno vice-president could be appointed to the position as early as this week.
The source went on to say that Hishammuddin’s appointment could impact the party in the next general election as it would drive its grassroots support away, especially if it felt the appointment could not benefit the party.
“Without support of the Umno grassroots, the move to make Hishammuddin a DPM will backfire on the party,” the source said.