Don't politicise my appointment - Hishammuddin

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has called on all quarters not to politicise his appointment today as Minister with Special Functions at the Prime Minister's Department.

He said, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi himself has stated he welcomes the announcement by the prime minister on the appointment.

The Defence Minister said he would meet Datuk Seri Najib Razak shortly to discuss the assigned roles.

"This is the prime minister's decision himself. No party should try to create a fuss or try to pit us because Zahid himself has said he agrees with this.

"I accept this as a trust given to me. We just look ahead. This is more important than attending to people who never agree with what we do," he told a press conference at the Defence Ministry here today.

Earlier, he had a meeting with the Adviser to the King of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr Mohamed Abdul Kareem Al-Issa to discuss the implementation of the King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP) in Malaysia.

Elaborating further, Hishammuddin explained that his appointment as Minister with Special Functions is an opportunity for him to be with the deputy prime minister in helping Najib to govern the country more effectively.

He also described it as an honour and trust given by the prime minister.

"I pledge to shoulder the additional responsibility and portfolio entrusted with my best ability," he added.

Earlier today, Najib announced Hishammuddin's appointment effective today, saying it will allow him to execute his duty apart from his responsibilities as defence minister.