PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed that the coalition has agreed to nominate Umno’s Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the Prime Minister candidate for the new PN Government.
However, the former PM said that the coalition’s support for Ismail Sabri is conditional, adding that the new cabinet must not include any ministers that are facing criminal charges.
“If appointed as prime minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he (Ismail) must ensure that his cabinet ministers are among those who are with integrity, responsible, and free from any criminal charges in court,” Muhyiddin said in a statement today.
“The PN Government under his leadership must also continue the practice of respecting the principle of separation of powers, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the concept of constitutional monarchy.”
According to Muhyiddin, the coalition’s decision to back Ismail was to ensure the continuity of policies implemented under the PN-led Government which focused on battling the pandemic and the country’s recovery until the next general elections.
He added that the support also showed that his coalition prioritised political stability and the well-being of people over “political revenge” in the struggle for power.
“As chairman of PN, I will continue to serve the people and prepare the party to face the 15th general elections when the time comes.”
A total of 114 MPs who are said to have submitted statutory declarations in support of Ismail as the ninth prime minister were summoned to Istana Negara for a brief audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today. – Aug 19, 2021
