Hishammuddin: Endorsements must reflect sentiment

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 23 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today urged state party leaders to be careful in endorsing candidates for the party elections as endorsements which do not reflect the sentiment on the ground may adversely affect the party's credibility.

"Those who have already made endorsements must be responsible in bringing the support, if not the party's credibility will be questioned," he told reporters today.

However, he said, the state liaison committees can still provide guidance to the divisions before the start of the division meetings next month.

"Everyone can express support but the most important thing is they must respect each other," he said.

Hishammuddin added that traditionally, the state liaison committees have always been making endorsements, but the final decision can only be made by the party grassroots.

"Sometimes, the top leadership can see things that cannot be seen by the grassroots, but at the end of the day, we have to accept their decision," said Hishammuddin.

He was confident that the party elections scheduled to be held in December would not split the party.

Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was reported to be under pressure to step down before the 2010 deadline, yesterday received the support from Penang and Kelantan Umno to defend his presidency.

The two states also reiterated their support for the 2010 transition plan.

-TMI