Umno supreme council member Armand Azha Abu Hanifah has asked former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein to make an open declaration of his loyalty to the party.

In a statement today, Armand said it was necessary to put to rest the rumours surrounding the issue of Hishammuddin's loyalty.

"I would like to request that he make a clear stance on his continued loyalty to Umno, so that there will be an answer to the rumours flying around that have raised questions amongst the grassroots," he said in a statement today.

Armand said he believed that Hishammuddin was still loyal to Umno despite accusations that he had orchestrated an exodus of MPs from the party, a claim which the latter denies.

Hishammuddin's recent photograph holidaying with PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali had also fueled speculation.

"The issue of Hishammuddin supposedly acting as Mahathir's hand in Umno has indeed been a hot topic among Umno members.

"But I view the relationship between Hishammuddin and Mahathir positively, as it is a professional one between an Umno leader and a former Umno president.

"I am confident that Hishammuddin, who is experienced, is loyal to Umno," Armand said.

To date, 16 MPs have quit Umno, four of whom have gone on to join Bersatu or Parti Warisan Sabah.