'Don't be distracted by 1MDB'

PETALING JAYA - Umno members should not allow issues surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to distract them from preparing for the next general election, says party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He reminded members that their core business was to ensure the survival of the party and not to get bogged down with speculation.

"Our main concern should be ensuring our candidates win the next elections," he said at the opening of Pandan Umno division meeting yesterday.

Hishammuddin said his stand on 1MDB was that the controversy should be resolved quickly, and that no public funds should be used or a bailout carried out.

"I also want to see accountability and governance. Those involved in wrongdoing or fraud should not be exempted from facing the law," he added. He said the public should be patient and allow the investigations to continue.

Hishammuddin also downplayed the display of banners in Johor criticising the Prime Minister after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was dropped from the Cabinet.

He added that there was no groundswell against the Umno leadership based on his recent visits to three constituencies in Johor.

Hishammuddin also endorsed calls for new Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members to be appointed soon to allow investigations into 1MDB to continue.

He supported the suggestion by Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad for Parliament to convene a special session to endorse the appointments.

Shahrir, who is Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman, said he had conveyed the BNBBC's views to the Prime Minister, who agreed to hold a one-day sitting to elect new PAC members.