PARLIAMENT Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein distanced himself from the RM77 million liquor security-labelling contract which was awarded to his brother.

Hishammuddin said the contract, which was awarded to his brother Haris Onn Hussein by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, was not under the purview of his ministry.

As such, there is no conflict of interest, claimed Hishammuddin.

"He (Haris, right ) did not receive any contract from any of the ministries that I was, or am, in charge of.

"So the issue of conflict of interest does not arise," Hishammuddin said in Parliament today.

He also said he was not aware whether it was true that his brother was awarded the contract, as alleged by Pakatan Rakyat.

“I have no knowledge (of it) and I have nothing to do with what my brother is doing.

“If there are irregularities, ask him to answer and I will not defend him if he is in the wrong,” he said.

'Contract awarded through direct negotiations'

Yesterday, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua questioned the RM77 million contract awarded to Hishammuddin’s brother

Pua said Haris was awarded the contract through direct negotiations with the Customs Department.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said Pakatan could make all kinds of allegations against him.

However, the allegations do not ring true and there was nothing to defend in the first place, the defence minister added.

"The opposition can make any allegations but ultimately, I have no relation to what he (Haris) does."

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