Changes to top 3 positions

(NST) KUALA TERENGGANU: The change in the top three positions of the state Umno liaison committee yesterday has nothing to do with the on-going investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) of two of its executives.

The MACC is investigating politicians believed to be involved in graft in the construction of the Middle Ring Road Two in Kuala Lumpur.

State Umno chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein named state assembly speaker Datuk Tengku Putera Tengku Awang, Kemaman Umno deputy division chief Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (who is also youth and sports minister) and Kuala Nerus deputy division chief Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said (who is also state Youth and Sports Committee chairman) as the liaison secretary, information chief and treasurer respectively.

They replaced former Dungun member of parliament and division chief Datuk Rosli Mat Hassan, who was the secretary, Datuk Zuber Embong (information chief) and Datuk Ruslan Awang Chik (treasurer).

Hishammuddin, who chaired his first meeting since being appointed to the post in April, stressed that the selection was made because they were able to help the party with their capabilities.

"Some people are suited for other things. One can see a new line-up in the cabinet, component parties and in other states," he said, adding it was time for the party to move forward. Also present was Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, who is the state Umno deputy liaison chief.

Hishammuddin said he had the full backing of the state Umno, adding that he had met with the assemblymen and division chiefs.

He also said that the state Umno meeting also focused on strengthening the party's ties as there were cracks which could not be seen if one was "blind and deaf".

"There is always an urgency to mend the cracks which also depends on the timing. For Terengganu, the time is now."