The compatibility of Umno's three vice-presidents has been proven towards ensuring that Umno will continue to remain a strong entity, said Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said if there were allegations of a conspiracy between him and the other two incumbent vice-presidential candidates, namely Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, in retaining their positions in the party's election this month, it should be viewed in terms of compatibility.

"We are a strong entity, and have proven our compatibility in our ability to work together and in weathering many challenges together. If this is alleged to be a conspiracy than it cannot be denied," he reporters told after launching the 'Director- General of the Road Transport Department Meets-the-Clients' programme in Jertih today.

Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister and acting transport minister said he and the other two vice-presidents were also compatible with Umno president Najib Abdul Razak and deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Zahid yesterday had denied allegations of pressuring delegates to retain the three incumbent vice-presidents who are being challenged by Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir, Felda chairperson Mohd Isa Samad and former Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam at the party's election this month.

He said the posts were open to competition based on the principles of democracy and transformation of the party and would be determined by 146,100 delegates.

- Bernama