PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been named as Umno’s choice for prime minister when Barisan Nasional enters the fray in the 15th General Election.
Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the unanimous decision was made by the Umno supreme council.
The supreme council also decided that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Putrajaya and Pakatan Harapan will not be extended after July 31.
There have been calls to terminate the MOU after Putrajaya failed to get approval for the extension of provisions in the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) in Parliament last month.
“The Umno supreme council unanimously proposes for Ismail Sabri as its prime minister candidate for the coming 15th General Election,” Ahmad said yesterday.
The Pontian MP also said the supreme council meeting chaired by president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had decided that the MOU would not be extended but Umno would support the tabling of the anti party-hopping Act.
The party will not compromise with anyone trying to stall the proposed Bill from being enacted.
“Umno’s stand is that the anti party-hopping Bill must be expedited in order to ensure the rights of voters,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ahmad said another Umno general assembly would be held on May 14 to carry out amendments to the party constitution in relation to its party polls.
“On the same day, there will be an Umno anniversary celebration and Hari Raya Aidilfitri reception,” he added.
On March 19, the Umno general assembly approved a motion to postpone the party elections for up to six months after the GE15.