KOTA KINABALU – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob urged Barisan Nasional to focus on fighting the real enemies, who are now increasingly attacking the ruling coalition as they believe the election is just around the corner.
Pointing to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), an ally of BN in its rule of Sabah, he said the state-based party is taking the opportunity to attack BN, thinking that the polls will be held anytime.
Ismail Sabri said this after PBS president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili alleged that a BN component party had been involved in handing out identity cards to migrants in return for votes.
Ongkili said this ahead of the Sabah BN convention to be held this morning.
The more we talk about the election, the more the groups out there try to divide us. I believe the convention tomorrow aims to unite all of us.
“While we talk about elections, we must talk about strengthening our ties if we have not been that close previously.
“We should be more focused on fighting the opposition. They are our enemies now.
“But today, PBS has started attacking us, even though they are part of the government since they are confident that the election will be held soon,” he said during a dinner function organised by Sabah BN.
Also present were Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, former Sabah Umno liaison chief Tan Sri Musa Aman, and other Umno and Barisan Nasional top leaders.
Ismail Sabri said he sees no reason for Umno leaders to fight each other simply because they do not want to hold party elections before the general election.
“This is why character assassination is happening. We are killing each other and competition happens between us.
Our real focus should be on winning the election.
He said the opposition has intensified its efforts in attacking the government, organising flash mobs, and trying to instil sentiment against BN among the masses.
He said his absence at the Umno Supreme Council meeting due to an engagement at an international meeting recently had also been labelled as boycotting his own party.
Ismail Sabri also noted that his reasons for not being able to attend the Sabah BN convention this morning were also tainted by the claim that he had been blocked from giving his address at the function.
“I was given a slot to speak tomorrow, but I have to apologise, I cannot be present as I will be launching the Malaysian Trade Union (MTUC) annual general meeting.
MTUC was never close to me and was controlled by DAP before this. This is why I have accepted their invitation now.
“But for this, someone had gone on TikTok claiming I had been blocked from making my address at the convention,” he said.
Towards this end, Ismail Sabri urged BN members to close ranks and give their support to BN, as well as focus on preparing for the forthcoming election.
He said an attack against him is akin to an attack on BN as he is a prime minister from BN.
Meanwhile, Zahid in his speech proposed that former prime minister Najib be appointed as adviser to BN. – The Vibes, July 1, 2022
