KUALA LUMPUR – Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is eligible to become Malaysia’s ninth prime minister based on his experience managing the country in hard times, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The party secretary-general and Pontian MP cited Ismail Sabri’s experience as defence minister, a post that the Bera lawmaker took up in March last year, and deputy prime minister, an appointment made last month.
“I have been following Ismail Sabri’s political leadership, which was proven when the Covid-19 pandemic hit Malaysia,” Ahmad told the Ruang Bicara programme on Bernama TV yesterday.
“He was the senior minister who announced the standard operating procedures. He is an expert in the fight against Covid-19.
“He was also the opposition leader in Parliament when Pakatan Harapan ruled for 22 months previously. Then, he was made deputy prime minister (in the Perikatan Nasional government).
“His experience is enough for him to be elected as the ninth prime minister.”
If Ismail Sabri is appointed to the top job, he should seek advice from the Umno Supreme Council or political bureau when crafting policies for the people, added Ahmad. – Bernama, August 20, 2021