Umno steals a march by naming Ismail early

Umno’s decision to name Ismail Sabri Yaakob as its prime minister candidate shows that the party had put national interest above personal interests, Sabah Barisan Nasional leader Bung Moktar Radin said today.

Umno’s action was in contrast to the “confusion” in Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) about their choice of prime minister, which reflected personal interests over the national interest, he was quoted as saying.

He said the decision of the Umno Supreme Council to stand by Ismail reflected an extraordinary level of solidarity and maturity that would lead the party towards ensuring it forms a stable government after the next general election.

“The decision to nominate Ismail will certainly create an element of stability not only to the party’s image, but also strengthen the external perspective on Malaysia’s political future,” he said, according to The Star.

Political analysts also said that the Umno decision to name Ismail could provide Umno with stability in facing the next general election.

The decision also put Umno one step ahead of its rivals, who have yet to name their candidate, and would end speculation about the party leadership and Ismail’s future.

It could prevent internal division and conflicts, the analysts said, according to Bernama.

Universiti Utara Malaysia lecturer Ahmad Marthada Mohamed said the decision dispels rumours that prime minister Ismail, who is an Umno vice-president, would not be nominated to be prime minister after GE15.

He said grassroots members and all levels of leadership will have to comply with the decision and move forward as a team to win the general election, whereas the existence of factions could weaken the party and allow rivals to take advantage of Umno.

Universiti Putra Malaysia senior lecturer Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said Umno and Barisan Nasional had a competitive advantage by naming their prime minister candidate earlier than other parties.

The choice of Ismail, over other Umno leaders, was a rational decision as he had experience in administration and showed that Umno placed priority on continuity, he said. FMT

Umno steals a march by naming Ismail early

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