Ismail Sabri is BN’s candidate for PM, say Umno duo

Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been picked as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the post of prime minister, according to two BN MPs.

Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said said the decision was reached by consensus at a meeting of BN MPs in Kuala Lumpur last night.

“Yes, Ismail Sabri. We have crossed the number of 111 (parliamentary majority) with support from Bersatu, PAS,” Tajuddin told reporters after the BN meeting at the World Trade Centre.

He said Umno and BN decided to nominate Ismail as he was “friendly” to all parties.

Azalina said Ismail, who is also BN chief whip, was BN’s choice as he was viewed as the most agreeable to all MPs.

“He technically holds the highest (position) next to the (Umno) president, and he was also a deputy prime minister.

“In that sequence he looks the most agreeable for all of us, so we hope for the best,” she said.

Earlier, the Umno Supreme Council also held a special meeting at the same venue to discuss the party’s candidate for prime minister, whose name will be submitted to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Leaders of political parties had been summoned to Istana Negara for an audience with the king, believed in connection with the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Harun had also asked MPs to submit a letter each to Istana Negara on their choice of candidate to be nominated as the ninth prime minister.

The letter must be submitted to Istana Negara by 4pm in order to be taken into consideration.