KUALA LUMPUR – Speculations that Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali will deputise Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a new-look cabinet are being created to scuttle the Umno vice-president’s chances of becoming the prime minister.
Responding to a viral poster congratulating Ismail and Azmin for their appointments as the country’s number one and two respectively, a source in the former’s camp said no such agreement has been reached.
Another Umno insider told The Vibes it would be shocking if Azmin, who is Bersatu supreme council member, is indeed chosen as the deputy prime minister.
This, according to him, is considering the former international trade and industry minister is seen as a polarising figure who has lost a lot of political support.
“This is especially following his active role in the Sheraton Move last year and considering his sub-par performance as a minister.
“Azmin is not a candidate that Umno will support.”
The congratulatory message being shared on social media comes as political parties rush to meet Istana Negara’s deadline for MPs to submit their choice of prime minister, following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday.
The poster bore the logo of Umno and Perikatan Nasional.
Ismail Sabri is understood to be leading the race to Putrajaya’s top seat, supposedly garnering enough support to meet the magic number of 111 MPs’ backing.
The Bera MP is said to have received his party’s blessing, besides the backing of those from Bersatu, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
Rumours have it that if Ismail Sabri is appointed as prime minister, his immediate predecessor Muhyiddin will act as a minister mentor.
MPs have until 4pm today to deliver their statutory declarations to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before His Majesty meets the Conference of Rulers on Friday, ostensibly to finalise the name of the ninth prime minister. – The Vibes, August 18, 2021
