Hishammuddin tasked with improving security in Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR — Appointed last week as Malaysian Minister with Special Functions, Mr Hishammuddin Hussein yesterday revealed one of his new duties: To help Prime Minister Najib Razak safeguard the security of Sabah.

“One of my tasks ... is to help him (Mr Najib) with Sabah’s security. This is one of the many tasks, but I am not ready to announce the others yet,” he said. “I will be helping the Prime Minister on other things too that not only involve the Defence Ministry, but also safety and security of states, in the context of economics as well as politics.”

Sabah has suffered from armed intrusions and kidnappings in recent years — the most serious was in 2013 when Malaysian security forces staged a month-long assault at a village in Lahad Datu against militants from Southern Philippines, who claimed Sabah belonged to their royal clan.

Such incidents have led the state government to impose travel restrictions in high-risk areas to bolster security. Malaysia, together with Indonesia and the Philippines, also commenced joint patrols in the Sulu Sea this month aimed at putting an end to decades of lawlessness in the resource-rich waters.

Mr Najib announced Mr Hishammuddin’s new designation last week. Besides security, the defence minister is expected to have other wide-ranging duties, including strengthening Malaysia’s relations with key partners.

As Mr Najib and Mr Hishammuddin are cousins, the new appointment prompted speculation that the premier is seeking to cement his position ahead of the general election, expected to be called this year.

In addition, the ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) — where Mr Najib is president and Mr Hishammuddin a vice-president — will hold its internal election sometime in the middle of 2018.

“The additional role gives Hishammuddin a personal boost, and a greater position within Najib’s inner circle. It marks him as a clear No 3 in Umno’s hierarchy and indicates the trust that Najib has in him, securing his short-term political future while potentially building him for the long term,” said Mr Rashaad Ali, a research analyst at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ Malaysia Programme.

However, detractors have been quick to point out the appointment is an indication that Mr Najib is sidelining his popular deputy, Mr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Some opposition leaders had even speculated that Mr Hishammuddin’s new role is a sign that Mr Najib is set to quit following a tumultuous two years due to controversies surrounding state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad

But Mr Ahirudin Attan, former editor with several publications under the New Straits Times Press group, wrote on his blog that the appointment is not about elevating Mr Hishammuddin’s position in the party or Cabinet.

Looking at the history of those who were appointed to the position, Mr Ahirudin said none had gone on to become either the deputy prime minister or prime minister.

The only exception was Mr Najib’s father Abdul Razak Hussein, who was both special function minister and deputy prime minister.

“If Najib had wanted to strengthen Hishammuddin’s position in the run-up to the general election and Umno elections, he would not have made his cousin Minister with Special Functions. DPM2 (Deputy Prime Minister 2) would have done the trick neatly.” AGENCIES