The series of accusations targeted at Umno leaders that coincide with the party's general assembly this week have been dismissed by Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein as an attempt to sidetrack the party gathering.

umno 62 anniversary 110508 hishammuddin "It is normal when the general election is near. We see things crop up that are political, but what is important is for us at our gathering to focus on Umno's struggle.

"So, let not any party try and distract us with side issues. I hope Umno members and the people will not be confused by them as they have their own agenda," Hishammuddin told a press conference after the opening of the 66th Umno AGM this afternoon.

He was asked to respond to the allegations hurled by businessperson Deepak Jaikishan and former inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan at Umno leaders.

Musa had accused Hishammuddin of usurping the powers of the IGP and meddling in police affairs while Deepak, who has fallen out with the ruling coalition, accused Umno president Najib Abdul Razak of receiving "heavy contributions" from him.

Issues already 'raised and answered'

Pressed on Musa's allegation, the home minister said the matter had already been raised and answered before and he questioned the timing of it this time.

"As it was raised, the first time let the Home Ministry and (current) IGP answer it because we should not be embroiled in.

"You can look back at what was replied before because it involves the same issue. If you look at my answers in Parliament and what was explained by the Home Ministry and IGP, let it be that way," Hishammuddin said.

shafie apdal and mps no defection pc 280808 01 Also present at the press conference were Umno vice-presidents Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Shafie Apdal ( right ).

Ahmad Zahid, when asked about Deepak's claims of making contributions to Najib when Najib was defence minister, refused to answer the questions.

He refused to do so even after the press conference, when reporters again approached him on the issue.

Wading into the issue during the press conference, Shafie said Musa was being manipulated.

"He is like a drowning person who is clinging to a branch, he will keep holding on to it.

"I am convinced that Musa Hassan is a matured and capable person who has contributed to the country, but is being used by certain quarters," Shafie said.

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