[UPDATED] All good in Umno: PM dismisses claims of ultimatum from big wigs

PUTRAJAYA – Claims of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob facing the axe from Umno if he does not accede to some of the party demands are untrue, said the prime minister in debunking allegations of threats and internal bickering.

Speaking to the press, the Umno vice-president said discussions held during closed door meetings were done in a peaceful manner without any issues, contrary to what is being reported.

“It’s nothing. Sometimes, outsiders see it differently from what actually transpired inside,” he said after attending the 18th civil service premier assembly here today.

“There’s no issue in Umno. Differences in opinion is normal. That is welcomed.”

The Bera MP was asked to comment on claims that his position in the party is at risk if he fails to fulfil four demands made by Umno warlords during last Wednesday’s political bureau meeting.

The Vibes had previously reported three of the demands made during the meeting chaired by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had centred around disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The three are the removal of the attorney-general, the removal of the chief justice and obtaining a royal pardon for Najib.

One other demand is for Ismail Sabri to immediately call for a general election. This appears to have been acceded, with the budget tabling having been moved forward by three weeks to October 7, indicating that the dissolution of Parliament is close.

Talk of pressure on Ismail Sabri follows the imprisonment of Najib in Kajang Prison following the Federal Court’s decision on August 23 to uphold his conviction and sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd corruption case.

A day prior to Najib’s jailing, Umno division chiefs had also gathered for an emergency meeting to demand for the prime minister’s intervention in the former’s final appeal and to seek a postponement in the case.

Separately, Umno held a special briefing on Saturday, followed by a Supreme Council meeting the same night, all related to Najib’s incarceration. – The Vibes, August 30, 2022