KUALA LUMPUR – The motion supporting the decision in naming Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the 10th prime minister candidate for the 15th general election (GE15) continued to receive the support of several Umno divisions today.
These included the Padang Terap, Kedah; Arau, Perlis and Tampin, Negri Sembilan Umno divisions.
In Penang, all 13 divisions unanimously supported the motion proposed by the party’s Supreme Council earlier, according to state Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir.
Musa, who is also the Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the party has decided to focus fully on the 13 parliamentary constituencies since the state assembly would not be dissolved.
“So far, Umno will contest in five parliamentary seats, MCA four seats, and there are four more seats which were previously contested by Gerakan. For those seats (Gerakan), the leadership will decide which BN party candidates will be fielded,” he said.
In Kedah, Padang Terap division chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said in addition to the motion to support the Bera MP, the division also approved a motion of confidence for president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the party leadership to formulate a strategy to strengthen Umno.
In Negri Sembilan, Tampin division chief Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa said their support for Ismail Sabri was based on his ability to restore the country’s political situation despite leading a coalition government.
In Perlis, Arau division chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said that the Supreme Council’s decision was supported not only by the division, but almost all other divisions as well.
In Melaka, state Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Melaka Umno has vowed to make GE15 a platform to get rid of traitors and those who are disloyal or have defied the party.
At the Masjid Tanah Umno delegates meeting he officiated, a motion to appoint a BN MP from Melaka as full minister was also approved. – Bernama, October 16, 2022