Allegations by former inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan and businessperson Deepak Jaikishan against Umno leaders will not sabotage the party's general assembly, former home minister Syed Hamid Albar says.

"I think that is why the most important thing is the timing of all these comments near elections; when the opposition is trying to take advantage of our annual general meeting...

"Sometimes we fall into the trap without realising it," Syed Hamid said on the sidelines of the assembly today.

NONE However, Syed Hamid  ( righ t) added that such moves would not work because the people were already familiar with Umno's track record.

"I think whatever sabotage, (attempts) to bring us down, disparage our name, insulting, and all sorts of things...they are not going to work," said the Kota Tinggi MP.

His sentiments, to a certain extent, echoed that of Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who said the allegations were meant to divert the party gathering.

Musa had recently accused Hishammuddin, who is also home minister, of interfering with the police force, while Deepak claimed he had received "heavy contributions" from party president Najib Abdul Razak.

However, Syed Hamid said he believes Musa had no intention of sabotaging the party.

Meanwhile, Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan and Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam declined to comment on the allegations.

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