Hishammuddin Considers Issue On Khairy's Remark Settled

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he considers the issue evolving around his deputy Khairy Jamaludin's remark that downplayed the role of other Barisan National (BN) component parties, as having been resolved.

He said discussions with counterparts from the other component parties had been held, and all agreed that the issued had been resolved.

"I do not think we need to play up the issue any more," he told reporters after witnessing the 24th Royal Trophy National Oratory final competition here Thursday.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid were also at the event.

Hishammuddin said he planned to ask Khairy to elaborate further on the issue at an Umno Youth meeting, whose date he would decide later.

The Education Minister said it was suggested that the meeting be held after the Youth movements of the MCA and MIC had held their respective general meetings this Saturday.

MCA Youth Chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai had said yesterday that the movement respected Umno Youth's stand and it held the opinion that all problems could be overcome at the Youth levels without affecting unity.

He said the issue, which evolved around the content of Khairy's speeches at Umno meetings including one in Kedah last Friday that had offended leaders of BN component parties, could be resolved amicably.

Khairy in his speech during these meetings had repeatedly stated that Umno was the backbone of the BN's strength and not other component parties.

A local Chinese daily had reported negative reactions of leaders from other BN component parties on the remarks made by Khairy.

tun mahathir mohamad pm abdullah ahmad badawi khairy jamaluddin mca hishamuddin hussein