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KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob rubbished claims that he had taken a “flip-flop” stance on the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
In stressing that he has yet to set a date to dissolve Parliament and call for polls, Ismail Sabri said his statements on the elections would only serve to his advantage.
The Umno vice-president said this in response to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who recently accused Ismail Sabri of making an about-turn on the polls.
“It is for the best if (my statements) are ‘flip-flop’ so that they (opposition) will not know when I want to have GE15,” the prime minister said, as quoted by The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal Getaran.
“Even with previous prime ministers, none had announced their setting of a date for the elections, and if Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was asked the question at that time, he would say he hasn’t received inspiration.
“If I let the date be known earlier, DAP will have fun. They can prepare earlier.”
Ismail Sabri, who is Bera MP, said this to reporters during the World Environment Day event in Taman Tugu, here, this afternoon.
He also claims to hold more knowledge on the most suitable time for the polls, when the people will be given back the mandate to elect their desired government.
“We do not know when. In any case, the matter will be discussed by the top five Umno leaders, the political bureau, the Umno Supreme Council and in the BN (Barisan Nasional) supreme council meeting. Then I will also discuss (it) with the cabinet,” Ismail Sabri said.
The Bera MP then added that the cabinet will then give him the mandate to face the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, in order to advise the king.
“The final say is in the hands of the Agong. Only he can decide as the federal constitution states that he can either agree or reject the matter if he does not agree,” he said.
He explained that if he were to publicly announce the dates for a general election, it would be akin to him going against the federal constitution, and the duty of the king.
“I cannot give an exact date because that would be me overtaking the role of the Agong, which would be constitutionally wrong of me since the deciding power lies with the Agong.
“DAP might not respect the Agong but I have high regards for the Seri Paduka Baginda (His Royal Highness),” he said.
Previously, Loke had called on Ismail Sabri, as the prime minister, to be firm and consistent in his stance on GE15 and to take responsibility for any statements issued.
Loke said that if the Umno vice-president really wanted to tackle inflation issues, he should find a consensus that transcends his party so that the national focus is directed toward helping the people.
The Seremban MP added that “flip-flop” statements will only lead to extended political instability and further endanger the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said that Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin is still a cabinet member as he has yet to meet her, adding that no appointment date has been set between the two to discuss her resignation as plantation industries and commodities minister.
Zuraida, who is Ampang MP, had also quit Bersatu to join the fledgling PBM. She was greeted by about 100 supporters upon her return to Kuala Lumpur from Turkey on Friday, and a video of the group singing Que Sera, Sera had made the rounds on social media.
Earlier this week at the BN convention, Ismail Sabri neither denied nor confirmed a possible cabinet reshuffle, but said Zuraida’s resignation had nothing to do with rumours of it happening. – The Vibes, June 5, 2022
