Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today stood by the party's Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein, amid claims by Pakatan Harapan of the latter's involvement in an alleged plot to push for the formation of a government that will exclude both DAP and Amanah.

Speaking to reporters after launching Selangor Umno's convention in Shah Alam, Zahid also downplayed Harapan's claims of Hishammuddin's alleged attempts to promote the idea that would break up the ruling coalition.

"I think that is just an allegation made against him (Hishammuddin). He is not that kind of person.
"He is sincere in seeing that Umno remains united," said Zahid.

The Pakatan Harapan secretariat had on Tuesday alluded to backdoor negotiations allegedly pursued by Hishammuddin, and urged the Sembrong Umno division chief to cease such efforts.