“If the (PN) support is withdrawn, then the general election must be called,” he told reporters at the launch of the 2022 Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition here today.

Ismail, who is an Umno vice-president, said the government was prepared for any scenario.

Pressed further, the prime minister said he would only act if PN officially withdrew its support for his government.

“Maybe there were one or two leaders who issued statements (not supporting me) but there were also others who said this matter was not discussed formally, so all these may be mere personal opinions,” he added.

“So I cannot take any action. Any action must be based on the official stand of the party.”

Tension between the prime minister and PN has reportedly increased with the Bersatu-led coalition accusing Ismail of failing to fulfil several promises including the appointment of a deputy prime minister.

PN secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the coalition was scheduled to send a delegation to meet Ismail yesterday.

However, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan said the prime minister’s office called off the meeting at the eleventh hour without giving any reason.

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