Ismail Sabri told to break silence on Umno-Bersatu split

 

Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob is one of the more visible party leaders, thanks to his position as defence minister.

However, despite being the highest-ranking Umno leader in the Perikatan Nasional government, Ismail has been relatively quiet on his political stance amid his party's impending breakup with Bersatu.

This is in contrast with fellow minister Annuar Musa, who has been vocal in wanting Umno to keep working with Bersatu.

For former Selangor menteri besar Mohamad Khir Toyo, the Umno vice-president can't just keep playing it cool and needs to start voicing out his political stance.

"Ismail Sabri needs to be firm. He can't (keep quiet) because he is the party's vice president," Mohamad Khir told Malaysiakini.

Umno's breakup with Bersatu, which is set to take effect during the 15th general election, had already been relayed by the Umno supreme council to Bersatu president, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

However, the matter is still expected to be debated at the Umno general assembly this weekend - with opposition to be mounted by those aligned with Annuar and the "cabinet cluster" of Umno ministers.

National Professors' Council senior fellow Jeniri Amir said Ismail's silence on the Bersatu matter makes him stick out like a sore thumb.

"His actions are confusing. Even if we know that Ismail supports the Umno central leadership's decision, he needs to speak out," Jeniri said.

While the Bera MP has been quiet on Bersatu, he has been vocal about rejecting cooperation with PKR.

The Umno vice-president said that negotiating with PKR would go against the supreme council's decision to reject cooperation with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

He also warned that the matter could end up splitting the party.

It is believed that Anwar's informal talks with Umno were mainly with party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, however, today dismissed any possible cooperation with PKR for the next general election. - Mkini