After the 2013 election , in which Najib 's government suffered further losses , especially among Chinese voters , Hishammuddin recontested the UMNO vice-presidency . He was barely re-elected in third place , finishing nine votes ahead of Mukhriz Mahathir . He switched ministries with Zahid , taking over the latter 's portfolio of Defence . He also assumed the transport ministry on an acting basis ; that ministry was normally reserved for the Malaysian Chinese Association , which had decided to withdraw from the Cabinet temporarily , having endured significant losses in the general election . As acting transport minister he was thrust into the international spotlight as the minister responsible for the investigation into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 . The Sydney Morning Herald criticised Hishammuddin in this position , arguing that he had " struggled during daily press briefings to defend his country ’s handling of the search and investigation " . Najib , however , defended Hishammuddin 's performance . His role ceased in June 2014 , when Liow Tiong Lai assumed the ministry . Hishammuddin retained his substantive post as defence minister
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
Hishammuddin Hussein