The first time in decades that Umno is not being served by one of its blue blood families.
Acting Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein will not be contesting in the Umno party election.
Officially an Umno vice-president, he said in a statement on Friday (June 8) that he will instead, work hard to rebuild Umno, beginning from the party’s birthplace – Johor.
“Results from the 14th general election did not side with Barisan Nasional, and I accept openly that this was the rakyat’s choice.
“Personally, I feel partly accountable and responsible for this loss,” he said.
Hishammuddin’s decision did not come as a surprise as it was known he was having second thoughts about continuing in a senior position in the party of his father and grandfather following its dismal showing in GE14.
In recent days, the 57-year-old former defence minister has told senior Umno leaders of his desire to just serve as an MP. Since he has followed the heart and confirmed the decision not to contest the deputy president’s post, it will be the first time in decades that Umno is not being served by one of its blue-blood families.
In the past, there was at least one leader carrying the Razak, Hussein or Mahathir name.
Hishammuddin is the son of former Umno president and prime minister Hussein Onn, who was in turn the son of its first president and co-founder Onn Jaafar.