Ismail still BN’s PM candidate, says Zahid

Ismail still BN’s PM candidate, says Zahid

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has quashed rumours that he would be put forward as the coalition's poster boy instead, adding that the decision to nominate Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister is final.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (right) said there was no change in his vice-president, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, being BN’s prime ministerial candidate. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his vice-president, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, remains the prime ministerial candidate should Barisan Nasional win the coming general election (GE15).

Zahid said the decision to nominate Ismail as prime minister was final.

Notwithstanding, he said the power to appoint the prime minister still rested with the King under the Federal Constitution.

“So, if an opposition party says BN is naming someone other than Ismail (as the prime ministerial candidate), then that’s just their attempt at sowing disunity in Umno and BN.

“We respect the absolute powers enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said, according to Sinar Harian.

Earlier today, the Masjid Tanah Umno division questioned the need to pass a motion in support of the decision to name Ismail as BN’s prime ministerial candidate for GE15.

State Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh said the matter need not be pursued as the party’s Supreme Council had already decided in April to name Ismail for the post and the division would abide by the decision.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that a motion on supporting Ismail as BN’s prime ministerial candidate dominated the agenda at many Umno division meetings.

Today marks the last day of Umno meetings involving 191 divisions throughout the country.

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