He said it was Ismail’s responsibility to ensure that the government could function properly and not repeat the mistakes of the previous administration.

“I received many inquiries and even had time to read various comments about Umno’s stance on the formation of the Cabinet and the appointment of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the chairman of the National Recovery Council with ministerial status,” he said in a Facebook post.

“Umno is consistent with its stance. We have given our support to Ismail and on behalf of the party, I will ensure that we continue to be the eyes, ears and voice of the people where their well-being and the prosperity of the country are concerned.”

Zahid said the government had a responsibility to meet the needs of the nation, while the party would continue to play its role as a “balancing force that moves in unison with the people”.

“As the party leader, I will continue to work and strengthen Umno in line with the mandate of the Umno general assembly and the Supreme Council.

“Our focus has always been on strengthening the party, especially in preparation for the next general election,” he said.

Zahid also said there were two major mandates entrusted by the Umno grassroots to him and the party leadership through the general assembly.

One was that the current government was only temporary as long as it did not have the absolute mandate of the people.

“Therefore, as decided at the last Supreme Council meeting and guided by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s recommendations, once the country reaches herd immunity, then a general election must be held to form a stable government that is elected by the people,” he said.

The other was to address the grassroots’ demand for the traditional seats of Umno and Barisan Nasional, including those lost through defections, to be taken back.