UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein today criticised the action of a handful of UMNO traitors whom he described as "wolves in sheep clothing".

He said that such traitors had angered many groups because after 'having slept and becoming fat' in UMNO, they later left the party and turned traitor to UMNO's struggles.

"Something that is most important is that there are groups who want to 'fish in troubled waters'. Who won't be angry when they try to take advantage, they surface as wolves in sheep clothing who had been sleeping and growing fat in the UMNO house all this while," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Padang Serai UMNO Divisional Delegates Conference at the Kulim Golf and Country Resort, here today.

As such, Hishammuddin who is also the Defence Minister reminded UMNO members against being influenced by this group and instead close ranks to ensure that Barisan Nasional would achieve a landslide victory in the coming general election.

Citing Kedah as an example, he said the rice bowl state was being led by a very good leader and accepted by the people.

Thus, he said, it was not impossible if the State constituencies of Lunas, Merbau Pulas and Parliamentary constituency of Padang Serai, which were currently held by the opposition were recaptured by the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th general election.

He explained that this was not something that was impossible but it needed the agreement, commitment, and understanding of everyone in ensuring that the UMNO flag remained flying.

"Those who are greedy, egoistic and insincere will not be able to champion the agenda of the party," he said.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin also questioned the action of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who apologised to the royal institution for amending the federal constitution but at the same time attacked the 'Bangsa Johor' or Johor people.

"When he (Tun M) was having a clash with the Malay Rulers, we went all out to defend him, but now he does not 'walk the talk'," he added.

Recently, Tun Dr Mahathir was said to have apologised to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for amending the Federal Constitution by reducing the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The former prime minister who helmed the country for 22 years, later questioned the 'Bangsa Johor' concept which he said destroyed solidarity.