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BERA – The results of the Johor state election, which saw Barisan Nasional (BN) gaining a landslide victory yesterday, will not affect relations among ministers and deputy ministers from other parties at the federal government level.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said even though the first cabinet meeting after the state election will be held next week, he is optimistic that all its members are professional and will make the right decisions for political stability and the people’s well-being.
“We are professionals and will focus on national policies and issues. As professionals, we in the cabinet, need to discuss and decide on the country’s policies together. There is no issue of us quarrelling because we are from different parties.
“In the Melaka election, we also clashed with each other, but the clashes were not brought to the cabinet. Even though the fight was intense in Johor, it will not be brought to the cabinet. I am hopeful and confident,” he told the media after opening the Malaysian Family Driving Licence Aid Programme here today.
Also present were Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim and Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Seri Norolazali Sulaiman.
The Johor state election saw BN win 40 seats in the state legislative assembly, and Perikatan Nasional, which is part of the cabinet, only obtained three seats, while Pakatan Harapan (11 seats) and one seat each for PKR and Muda.
He also hopes all parties contesting in the Johor election, including those who lost, give their support and cooperation to the menteri besar who will be appointed after this, as political stability is very important for the development of the state.
Asked on calls by some quarters for the general election (GE) to be held soon, taking into consideration the victorious momentum of BN in the state elections earlier, Ismail Sabri stressed that GE will only be held when the relevant aspects and parties are ready.
“Ready or not, let the party leadership decide. Many more areas need to be studied. Each result will be discussed in the party. Just because one small group wants GE to be held, do we have to do it? This is a major decision; we have to discuss.
“Apart from that, there are procedures. I need to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to get his consent and if he grants it, only then we can hold it (GE). Wait for the right time,” he said.
On the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Pakatan Harapan to reduce politicking after being appointed as prime minister, Ismail Sabri said it is still too early for him to talk about the future of the MoU, which ends on July 31.
On whether the MoU would be extended, Ismail Sabri who is also Bera MP said: “I do not want to make any speculation as it is still not the time.”
Commenting on the Umno general assembly scheduled to start on Wednesday, Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president sees the direction of the party as among the main focus to be deliberated including not rejecting the possibility of the issue of Muafakat Nasional, which was formed with PAS.
“I am also waiting for the president (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi)’s speech and as well as other debaters. The direction now may be different as there are many current developments including the state election.
“So, I will wait for the speech, and it will be debated by each state for a resolution to be achieved. This, then will be the direction of Umno after this,” he said. – Bernama, March 13, 2022