UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has called on the Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) to be more vocal in countering issues related to politics of hate which is happening nowadays.

He said Mubarak members should leverage their experience and act as the voice of reason to create positive perception as done previously.

"I believe Mubarak members can play a role in creating awareness and reverting followers of the new media who have turned to social media to evoke an atmosphere of hatred and division in the political landscape.

"I know this is not something new to Mubarak," said Hishammddin when opening Mubarak's 13th Annual General Assembly and Dinner at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, last night.

Also present was Mubarak president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman.

Hishammuddin added that it was important to cast aside political hatred in view of the upcoming 14th general election, considered to be most difficult and challenging for UMNO.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin who is also Defence Minister, said the government through the defence ministry would give priority to the welfare of veterans in the security forces under Budget 2017.

"The veterans' welfare is among the priorities to be given attention to under the defence ministry," he said.