Ismail speaks up against backing Anwar as anti-Zahid rebellion grows
The Umno veep adds to the chorus of protest by party leaders over their president's gestures to PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim.
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Caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has joined a growing number of Umno leaders in speaking out against Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the wake of the party leader's moves to get Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs to support Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.
The Umno vice-president texted his stand to a WhatsApp group for party division leaders, saying he would oppose any move to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
"I'm prepared to be sacked... still won't support PH," Ismail said, in a screenshot posted on Instagram by his daughter Nina Sabrina.
The message was sent by him at 1.32pm today, soon after he joined Zahid and other Umno leaders to meet Anwar and several top PH leaders at the Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Ismail's stand is similar to that of Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein, who also said he was prepared to be sacked if he does not toe the party line by opposing cooperation with PH.
Earlier today, a group of Umno divisional leaders also protested against any negotiations with Anwar, saying it would violate a resolution by Umno delegates last year not to cooperate with Anwar or DAP.
Zahid has come under intense pressure to step down as BN chairman and Umno president after the party was thrashed by Perikatan Nasional in the polls on Saturday.
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