KUALA LUMPUR – Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan is of the view that it is unsuitable to have a no-confidence vote in Parliament right after the Agong’s opening speech.
The Pontian MP called for the prime minister to organise the vote of confidence earlier.
Ahmad also acknowledged that there are concerns about what is next for the party after it decided to exit the Perikatan Nasional regime, but explained that Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has met with the party’s parliamentarians to explain the party’s next step.
“What we want is a new prime minister to form a new government that would return the mandate to the people in a short time.
“Zahid has sworn that the party will not work with Pakatan Harapan or support PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister,” he said.
He reiterated that it is impossible for Anwar to become the nation’s leader given he does not have the numbers, and Zahid would not allow Umno parliamentarians to pledge support for the Port Dickson MP.
“We will leave the matter of choosing the next prime minister to the wisdom of the Agong,” he added.
As for Umno MPs yet to withdraw their support for PN, Ahmad said letters have been sent to them.
“These are well-mannered letters, contrary to accusations that they were threats.
“They are merely reminders that they must follow the party’s decision, which is provided for in Umno’s constitution itself,” he added.
With regard to the Registrar of Societies’ decision to invalidate Umno’s resolution to delay party polls, Ahmad said he met with officials from the registrar yesterday.
He added that the meeting went well, and Umno merely followed provisions in its constitution that allow the Supreme Council to delay its party elections for 18 months.
“I think and hope they will come back with a very satisfactory decision,” he added.
When asked whether the decision to appoint Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as deputy prime minister was to shake up Umno, Maslan said negotiations were held with Muhyiddin regarding the matter since October last year.
However, Ismail Sabri was only appointed to the post hours before Umno decided to revoke its support for Muhyiddin, he said.
The Pontian MP spoke yesterday on a NRChannelTV Facebook live programme titled Politik Umno Terkini, hosted by Rafi Awang Kechik. – The Vibes, August 10, 2021
