TIME will tell if Najib Razak’s appointment as the Barisan Nasional advisory council chairman will have an impact on the coalition and its chances at the next polls, said Hishamuddin Hussein today.

The Sembrong MP said the appointment was made with the consent of BN leaders and so should be respected by all parties.

“If MIC and MCA can accept bossku (Najib) as a BN adviser, we in Umno should also follow suit,” he said opening the Kota Melaka Wanita Umno delegates meeting today.

“I support provided it helps, but it is too early to see if the decision will have any impact on strengthening the coalition.”

Hishamuddin’s comments come amid a debate among the Umno leadership and its grassroots over the appointment.

Among those unhappy with the appointment are Padang Rengas MP Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, who have publicly said the decision was regressive and a step back for the coalition.

Hishammuddin said those who object should voice their dissent in a civil and courteous manner to Umno’s supreme council.

However, the former Umno vice president reminded Najib to use the position for the benefit of BN and not to leverage it for personal gain.

Last week while criticising the appointment, Nazri claimed Najib wanted to the be adviser because it would be a stepping stone to becoming prime minister again.

The former tourism minister said Najib anticipated the Pakatan Harapan pact would collapse and hoped to leverage it to return to power but Najib dismissed the notion. – July 20, 2019.