Umno’s Puad says ‘suicide’ to make Azmin DPM; Bersatu man slams reporting ‘lobbying’

KUALA LUMPUR – As speculations intensify over who will be appointed deputy prime minister, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi said it is “suicide” to appoint Bersatu’s Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali for the post.

Puad highlighted the negative responses from netizens since Perikatan Nasional took over last year.

“Azmin’s image is always seen as negative, whether from a moral view or his performance. Appointing Azmin will be akin to committing suicide.

“Whichever MP withdraws support for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over the issue of (cabinet) posts, they will be seen as ‘budak jahat (naughty boys)’.”

The Umno man posted on Facebook that it is best to leave the deputy prime minister post vacant.

“Let it be vacant. It will be a checkmate for the lobbyists and those fighting over the post.

“Ismail Sabri is appointed prime minister according to the constitution so he doesn't need to fear threats of support withdrawal.

“After all, what’s there to threaten? The confidence vote in Parliament on September 6 is no longer relevant and unnecessary.”

Earlier today, Azmin’s political secretary Muhammad Hilman Idham had slammed media reports on his boss’ lobbying for the deputy prime minister post and threats of withdrawing support for the prime minister.

Hilman, who is Gombak Setia assemblyman, was quoted by Astro Awani as saying that it is irresponsible and malicious reporting.

“The reports are aimed at undermining the stability and unity in PN, which stands by Ismail Sabri as prime minister.

“It is unfortunate that the two news portals were unable to verify their sources to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.”

Sources have told The Vibes that Ismail Sabri has been granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to submit a list of candidates for cabinet positions.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the wrangling and last-minute lobbying for positions under the Bera MP’s stewardship is still ongoing and is expected to last until the 11th hour.

“The PM will submit his cabinet list and seek the Agong’s approval as part of the formalities.

“Only after the king has given the green light will Ismail Sabri contact said candidates to inform them of their respective posts and check whether they want to take them up.

“There is a back-up list for each position if anyone declines,” the source said.

The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the swearing-in ceremony for the ministers will likely be on Thursday, so Ismail Sabri can chair his first cabinet meeting as prime minister on Friday.

“Pending any delay and further wrangling, this would be the set timeline that Ismail Sabri has placed on his MPs and himself,” the source added.

According to another source, Azmin has been heavily lobbying for the post of deputy prime minister.

It is learnt that the Gombak MP has avoided contact with most Bersatu MPs, with the exception of his faction of lawmakers who defected from PKR during the infamous Sheraton Move last year.

“He (Azmin) is pushing very hard and his associates have even threatened to pull out if their demands are not fulfilled.

“Not all in Bersatu and Umno are in unison with Azmin,” the source linked to the PN coalition said.

Bersatu secretary-general and former home minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is among those within the Umno splinter party vying for the number two position.

Ismail Sabri, the source added, is under tremendous pressure from Umno’s leadership to impose the majority of candidates from the party and sideline its PN partner, especially Bersatu.

“The PM wants the (cabinet) list to be reconciliatory in nature, with certain ministers under (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin)’s cabinet retained to ensure continuity.

“But at the same time, as Umno vice-president, he is being hounded by party warlords to give in to their demands as well,” the source said.

A source within the party said Ismail Sabri’s fellow Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid is set for a return to the cabinet, given his close association with the newly minted prime minister over the years.

“Mahdzir would probably get an important post in the cabinet. His association with Ismail Sabri aside, he is a political veteran having served as Kedah menteri besar and education minister at different points in his career.

“Experience and a trusted ally also counts at this juncture for Ismail Sabri,” the source added. – The Vibes, August 25, 2021