Hishammuddin Hussein, who is defending his vice-president's post in Umno today, has expressed regret at being labelled a weak leader by certain quarters.

The defence minister, who is also acting transport minister, said the presumption was baseless and ill-intentioned.

"I am far from being weak. If I am, the country would already be in chaos. I would not have been able to initiate the amendment to the party's constitution.

"I would not have sustained for five years in the Home Ministry or be part of the 13th general election or the party election today," he said at the Sembrong Umno division delegates' meeting at Sekolah Menengah Sains Sembrong, in Kluang.

Hishammuddin said it was easy for others to point fingers at him, thus it was necessary for him to provide a justification for the delegates to appreciate his contributions.

He said as someone who was on the right track, he was confident of the delegates' absolute support for him.

"When the intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah happened, I temporarily relocated there with my family for three weeks to ensure that the security there remained intact," he revealed.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin's eldest daughter Nasya Alyssa, 24, despite being seven months' pregnant came to the centre to express support for her father.

She arrived with her husband Muhd Anas Zawawi Khalid, 26, mother Datin Seri Tengku Marsilla Tengku Abdullah and younger brother Faris Hussein.

Hishammuddin, in a light moment, shared with the 481 delegates that he could not wait to become a grandfather.

- Bernama

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