Ismail Sabri’s denial of U-turn in support could help Umno, says analyst

 

Analyst Ariff Aizuddin Azlan said Ismail Sabri Yaakob publicly denied allegations that he and 13 other Umno MPs had withdrawn support for the unity government to protect his reputation.

PETALING JAYA: 

Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s move to deny claims that he and 13 other MPs from Umno have withdrawn their support for the unity government could help the party’s recovery and prevent internal rifts, says a political analyst.

Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya said Ismail’s public stance would help dispel any lingering doubts about Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) as they seek to recover from their poor performance in the 2018 and 2022 general elections.

He also said that concerns about the Bera MP’s loyalty to Umno, which is part of Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government, could be put to rest.

Tawfik Yaakub.

“The notion that Ismail and several MPs planned to withdraw support is outdated and no longer relevant, given that the unity government has been in power for over two years.

“Openly giving an explanation (about his stance) helps to prevent further divisions in Umno, which is currently rebuilding itself,” Tawfik told FMT.

Responding to the claims circulating on social media, Ismail reportedly said they were an attempt to tarnish his image, sow discord, and breed distrust among BN MPs.

“I believe there may be ill intentions behind the spread of such claims, especially against me, as they damage my reputation even though I have always maintained my commitment to Umno,” he was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying yesterday.

On March 17, BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir also denied claims that 14 Umno MPs had withdrawn their support for the unity government, calling them an attempt to undermine unity among government MPs.

Ariff Aizuddin Azlan.

Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara said Ismail’s public denial indicated a desire to disassociate himself from movements that could damage the image of Umno and BN.

“This move is also a way to indirectly silence critics who see him as a political liability to the party,” he said, adding that Ismail’s camp should establish stronger communication channels with the party leadership.

“Such channels would facilitate the exchange of ideas and perspectives, ensuring continuous dialogue and reinforcing the party’s core mission,” he said. - FMT