Contrary to the assertion by veteran newsman Kadir Jasin that he has never seen Prime Minister Najib Razak so afraid, Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussien tonight said the Umno president is in a very calm state.

"I do not think he is afraid at all. He is very calm," Hishammudin told reporters after launching the Umno Youth's Akademi Kepimpinan Kapten Hussein in Kelana Jaya here.

Hishammuddin was responding to Kadir who in a blog post had said he never saw Najib being so afraid , over the past almost four decades of knowing him on a personal basis.

"The reality is, Najib has never been brave or stern.

"He rose (up the political hierarchy) because he was skilled at playing it safe and due to being guided as well as protected by his mentors," Kadir ( photo ) said in a blog posting.

Hishammuddin had earlier in his speech touched on the criteria for future Umno leaders and he stressed on the importance of being brave and honest in the face of criticisms and even threats.

Asked for comment in context of the current situation within Umno, Hishammuddin said the younger generation of leaders must be prepared to face even greater challenges.

"At that time when they are going to lead the country, the challenges are going to be greater.

"If you don't have the ability to absorb whatever has been thrown at you, how are you going to lead the country? Many countries do not pass that test," he said citing Egypt and Libya as examples of countries in turmoil due to a weak leadership.

Hishammuddin also acknowledged the current socio-economic troubles facing the country but pointed out that Malaysia has survived because of Najib's calm demeanour in leading the country.

Najib was earlier today expected to face the Dewan Rakyat and personally explain allegations surrounding the RM2.6 billion donation and operations of state investor 1MDB.

Najib's absence, and the brief three minute explanation by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi without any questions allowed, was condemned as a sign that he is allegedly afraid to face his critics.

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