[UPDATED] Ismail Sabri ends closed-door meeting with Umno MPs

KUALA LUMPUR – Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who will be sworn in as prime minister tomorrow, held a closed-door meeting in Royale Chulan Hotel here with several Umno parliamentarians.

He was seen arriving at the hotel at 8.30pm according to a video posted by Malaysia Gazette, followed by Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin 10 minutes later.

Also in attendance is Kuala Krau MP Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said and Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

The purpose of the meeting remains unknown, but Ismail Sabri told the press waiting there that there will be statements issued tomorrow.

He left at around 11.20pm, got into his car and waved to the media. He, however, did not speak to media personnel waiting at the hotel lobby.

The prime minister-in-waiting may still lose the vote of confidence in Parliament in two weeks. One reason being the conditional support provided by Bersatu – that it would pull support if those facing charges in Umno are appointed to the Cabinet.

Earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed happiness over Ismail Sabri’s appointment, adding that he believes the Bera MP will succeed in keeping the Covid-19 pandemic in check.

Zahid added that he hoped the next Malaysian government would cooperate with all MPs to end the nation’s political struggle for the nation’s well-being.

“The new government must also ensure that political stability will be achieved and maintained for a period until the 15th general election, to return the mandate to the people,” he said in a statement.

There was a meeting last Sunday at the same hotel with other MPs where they reportedly signed statutory declarations in support of Ismail Sabri for the top job.

Ismail Sabri was announced by Istana Negara as the nation’s ninth prime minister after garnering the support of 114 MPs.

Pagoh MP and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is currently serving merely as caretaker prime minister. – The Vibes, August 20, 2021