Hishammuddin shrugs off baseless allegations

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein shrugs off allegations at Defence Ministry event.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry and Armed Forces will not be deterred from performing their duty by the baseless allegations of certain parties, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The Defence Minister said the ministry’s personnel are confident in their achievements and will not let seasonal allegations during the general election affect them.

“There have been countless claims levelled against us (the ministry) and as the election looms, more will surface.

“I hope those at Mindef will not entertain such talk and focus on their duties in safeguarding the country,” he told reporters after launching the ministry’s pledge and plans for the future.

He added that the ministry was not perfect and had shortcomings but they have been overcome.

“However, certain parties try to belittle our achievements without considering the repercussions.

“Our priority will always be the nation and the rakyat,” he said.

Hishammuddin, who is also Special Functions Minister, said many parties and individuals take to social media to make baseless claims and criticisms.

“If they have proof then by all means show it.

“As for the ministry, we are on the right track and have nothing to hide,” he said.

On whether Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz’s allegations regarding military-owned land could be considered the first case for the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, Hishammuddin said he will let the relevant ministry look into that.

Rafidah had alleged that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was Defence Minister in 2008, had recommended the privatisation of over 40,000ha of ministry or Armed Forces land to a company owned by three individuals, and it was approved and implemented.

On security during the general election, Hishammuddin said the Armed Forces and the police will work closely to ensure that the elections run smoothly.

While he is unsure whether or not he will still helm the ministry after the polls, the Sembrong MP said he was honoured to have served there.

“They are not only colleagues but they are my comrades.

“As long as the respective leaders are there, I am confident they will ensure the ministry’s continued success in protecting the country,” he said.

He also hoped the Barisan Nasional Government will get the people’s mandate as there is still much to be done for the country.

“If given the mandate, we will ensure that our plans, especially for the ministry, becomes reality,” he said.