KUALA LUMPUR: Umno ministers are performing well in the Cabinet unlike claims made by some people in the party who say otherwise, says Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein.

       The Senior Minister, who is in charge of the security cluster, added that Umno’s victories in the recent polls were a result of the ministers' performance in the administration.

       “The party’s victory in the recent state elections would not be achieved if we (Umno ministers) did not perform well in the Cabinet.

       “How am I underperforming? What makes me different from previous defence ministers, who were also from Umno?” he questioned.

       The Umno Sembrong division chief also said that, to ensure the survival of Umno’s struggle, the party has to work closely with the government.

       “As emphasised by the president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to ensure the survivability of our struggles, Umno and the government must work together.

       “Stop pointing fingers, instead, let’s start working together. The party and the government must move forward in the same tune,” he said, adding that the decision to dissolve the Parliament and call for election lies on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to the King.

       “We’ll see what the party’s stance on this (general election) is. And to ensure it goes smoothly, we need to make sure no one is interfering with the process,” he added.

       Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Noh Omar said that the Prime Minister should also raise the issue of the general election at the Cabinet level before advising the King.

       “The King has the power to call for the election but the Prime Minister must also discuss it with the Cabinet ministers,” he added.

       Noh also echoed the same sentiment with the party’s president who called for cooperation and unity between the government and Umno.

       He also said as the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, he would strive to serve the ministry better as Ahmad Zahid said in his presidential address.

       “I will try to fulfil what has been recommended by the president such as easing loans and helping young entrepreneurs,” he said.