[UPDATED] PAS, MCA, Bersatu quick to congratulate Ismail Sabri, Hisham on promotions

KUALA LUMPUR – The PAS leadership has congratulated Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over his promotion to the seat of deputy prime minister, barely an hour after the Prime Minister’s Office’s announcement of the appointment.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan described Ismail Sabri as the most appropriate choice to assume the second highest post in Putrajaya.

In a late afternoon statement, he said PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and the entire party leadership extended their “highest congratulations” on the matter.

“PAS is confident that the appointment of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is most appropriate, based on his experience as a minister and senior minister, as well as him being the most senior Umno leader in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government’s cabinet,” he said.

Takiyuddin also extended the party’s congratulations to Umno’s Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein for being promoted to senior foreign minister. The Sembrong MP was, until now, foreign minister.

“Having been another senior member in the government before this, he is assuredly capable of joining forces with all other members of the cabinet towards taking Malaysia to more respectable heights in the international arena,” he said.

Meanwhile, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon welcomed Ismail Sabri’s appointment, giving the party’s commitment to continue its cooperation in battling the current health crisis and helping the people.

He also applauded Hishammuddin’s promotion, saying that both appointments will serve to further strengthen the federal administration.

Chong described the Umno duo as leaders with vast experience.

“MCA is confident that both leaders will be able to contribute to bring significant benefit for the people and nation,” he said.

He vouched that MCA will work closely with Ismail Sabri, Hishammuddin and the rest of the cabinet to tackle the spread of Covid-19, restore the economy and assist people affected by the pandemic. 

Both PAS and MCA have leaders appointed as ministers in the PN cabinet.

PAS’ ties with Umno in their Muafakat Nasional pact have been frayed over the past few months due to the Islamist party’s overt support for Bersatu.

MCA is a component of Barisan Nasional, which is headed by Umno.

Bersatu confident of unity among parties

Bersatu also offered its congratulations, asserting its optimism that the various parties’ unity in the PN government will be bolstered by the promotions.

In a statement, information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Ismail Sabri will contribute by helping Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in managing the country and fulfilling the needs of the people amid the health and economic crises.

Muhyiddin is president of Bersatu and chairman of PN.

Wan Saiful lauded Hishammuddin for taking over the security cluster from Ismail Sabri.

“I believe that this appointment will be able to further heighten the PN government’s capability, particularly in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am confident that all people are supportive of the optimism expressed in the PMO’s announcement that the appointments shall strengthen unity among the parties that make up the government.

“Unity and integration are highly anticipated by the people, and form an important core in efforts towards caring for the people’s welfare, rebuilding the economy, and ensuring that we win the battle against Covid-19 together.

“I also fully support the PN government’s determination to fortify itself with an administration that is transparent, free of corruption, and has integrity.” – The Vibes, July 7, 2021