Hisham denies Tun M’s gag allegation

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has denied Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claims that Umno members are not allowed to raise any issues relating to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion donation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak at the upcoming Umno general assembly.
"That's not true because all the motions raised and debates that will be held are based on the proposals submitted by the various divisions and branches themselves.
"Furthermore, there are a lot of other platforms for the members to debate other issues. My responsibility is to ensure the assembly proceeds smoothly," Hishammuddin told reporters today.
He then questioned the alleged restrictions on the topic of 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion issue which were raised and debated in Parliament and also discussed in both social media and blogs.
"Therefore, the upcoming assembly should not continue to dwell on the issue because there are various other important agendas like the fate of Islam in this country that need to be discussed," he said.
On Monday, Mahathir wrote on his blog chedet.cc that matters relating to 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion in the Prime Minister's account would not be raised during the meeting.
Mahathir said that Umno members had been warned not to speak on the matter in the assembly, adding that it made him question (the holding of) such an assembly.