Every Umno elected representative should undertake a self evaluation to determine whether he or she is eligible to be fielded again as a candidate in the next general election, Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein today.

"We should withdraw when we think it is time for us to do so," he told reporters after the presentation of 2012 People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) honorary ranks for the southern zone in Malacca.

NONE He was asked for his response to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's comment that Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil should know when to step down as the women, family and community development minister over the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) issue.

Hishammuddin, who is home minister, said it was not something new for leaders to be pressured to step down owing to controversy.

He also said that leaders stepping down was also not something new as his father, (former prime minister) Hussein Onn, Mahathir and (former prime minister) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had all stepped down.

"What more those serving as ministers, MPs or chiefs of party divisions," he said.

On a report that PAS will be fielding 40 per cent new faces in the next general election, Hishammuddin said it was a statement to garner support and public sympathy.  

Hisham intends to defend Sembrong

At another event, Hishammuddin, who is MP for Sembrong, dismissed talk that he would not be contesting in the constituency in the next general election.

He said he would not give up before the final decision is announced by Prime Minister and Umno president Najib Razak.

"There is much talk that I will not be contesting in Sembrong in the 13th general election as the voters comprise various races with Malays making up only 54 percent of the electorate and that the seat is not safe," he said when addressing 500 members of the Sembrong People's Movement in conjunction with the movement's family day in Alor Gajah.   

Hishammuddin said he would stay put and contest in Sembrong if he is fielded as a "winnable" candidate.  

- Bernama