KUALA LUMPUR – The postponement of tomorrow’s Dewan Rakyat session was a decision made based on health and science, not politics, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob amid speculation of political expediency.
The deputy prime minister added that a letter outlining the support of 40 Barisan Nasional MPs for the government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is genuine, and that it was turned into an issue only because of the use of a different letterhead.
He refuted rumours that he will be appointed interim prime minister, saying he is of the view that such talk is likely aimed at muddying the current situation amid the government’s efforts to contain Covid-19 and ensure the people’s welfare.
I also understand that in the federal constitution, there is no provision for an interim PM or government. These are just rumours. We do not have to pay attention to them, as they are meant to divide us. If we pay attention to such talk, it will worsen.
“Don’t get carried away with speculation, as the right action is to reconcile or cool down the situation. Let’s unite because we have bigger responsibilities. Why don’t we focus on that?” he told reporters after distributing food baskets at Charuk Puting Mosque in his parliamentary constituency, Bera, today.
It was reported yesterday that Ismail Sabri has strong support from among cabinet members to become interim prime minister replacing Muhyiddin, and that negotiations are under way in the top echelons of the ruling Perikatan Nasional.
Ismail Sabri said the July 29 letter with a BN letterhead stating 40 MPs’ backing for PN is valid.
He said the document, which lists his name at the bottom as the sender, followed a meeting with the other 39 lawmakers, and was drawn up with their consent.
The confusion was only over the use of the BN letterhead. We are BN elected representatives, so we have the right to use the BN letterhead. How can I use other letterheads when we are from BN?
“For me, there is no issue because what’s important is the content. Forty out of 42 BN MPs support the current government.”
The issue cropped up when BN executive secretary Mohd Sahfri Ab Aziz came out with a statement denying the letter’s authenticity.
Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president, said it does not go against the Supreme Council, which has granted the party’s MPs the freedom to support whoever they wish in the Dewan Rakyat.
“From a legal standpoint, if there is no support for the prime minister, the government will collapse. The MPs involved are of the view that we support the government so that it does not collapse.” – The Vibes, August 1, 2021
