DefenceministerDatuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein Onn urged all UMNO members, especially the supporters of Cabinet members who were dropped from the line-up today to put the interest of the party and the nation first.

“I have asked them to put the interest of the party and the country ahead of their personal emotional interest,” Hishamuddin said at the launch of the 15thDefenceServices Asia Exhibition and Conference on Tuesday.

Hishamuddinalso urged that all UMNO members, especially the supporters of the cabinet members who were dropped from their positions to be more rational and to not react according to their emotions.

“What is important in today’s political landscape is that we don’t indulge in knee-jerk reactions; we have to be rational and to not be emotional...itis the Prime Minister’s rights and he has made a decision and trust with the decision that has been made,” he said.

Hishamuddinalso added that the decision that has been made is all in the interest of the people so that sovereignty and security can be maintained, as well as to notjeopardisethe people’s future.

“We have to be smart in understanding the current political scenario,” he said.

When asked about the removal of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal from the Cabinet, Hishamuddin briefly commented, “Yes... ?! I don’t know the details... It is the same as what I said just now, that it is the Prime Minister’s rights and that is his decision.”

Hishamuddinalso hoped that Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was newly-appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister would conduct his duties well and inclusively.

Commenting on the 1MDB investigations which might be disrupted due to the termination of the Attorney-General, Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Patail’s contract, Hishamuddin said that an investigation does not depend on the individual conducting it, but the credibility of an institution directed to do the investigations.

“This is involving the institution and not the personality, hence when a certain personality is appointed to join the special task force, he represents the institution.

“Therefore, Tan Sri (Ghani Patail) in this case represents the Attorney-General office, and I have been informed and I know that Tan Sri is not in a good state of health,” Hishamuddin added.