GPS has 'no problem' with Ismail as PM, wants to see PN govt continue

 

The Sarawak-based GPS said it has "no problems" if Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob is nominated as the new prime minister to sustain the Perikatan Nasional-led government.

GPS secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi (above) said it was a natural option as Ismail Sabri is already the deputy prime minister.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin indicated that he will resign tomorrow after 15 Umno MPs withdrew their support for him, leaving him 11 MPs short of a majority. There are 220 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat and two vacant seats.

"We are part of the government and even though we are not part of Perikatan Nasional, as part of the government, we would like to see the government still able to carry on even if there is a change in the stewardship or leadership.

"Because we hold to our principles and believe that the federal government must be a stable government," he told Malaysiakini.

Ismail Sabri has rallied the existing government MPs in his bid to succeed Muhyiddin, who is the Bersatu president, but must still convince the 15 Umno MPs to back him in order to secure a simple majority.

If the 15 return to PN's fold, he will be able to reform a government that will largely resemble the current PN-led government.

"I think GPS has no problem with Ismail Sabri because he's already the deputy prime minister. We can accept him as the prime ministerial candidate for PN and PN Plus," Alexander said.

However, he said Ismail has yet to ask GPS' 18 MPs to make written declarations in support of him.

Muhyiddin's government comprises PN (Bersatu, PAS, STAR, BN) and BN (Umno 23, MCA, MIC, PBRS), GPS (PBB, PRS, PDP SUPP) and PBS and independent MPs.

Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob

Alexander said GPS will be even more inclined to back the deputy premier if he is endorsed by Muhyiddin, who he said has done much for Sarawak.

"Muhyiddin has been nice to Sarawak. What we asked for in terms of (oil) royalty - we got even during Pakatan Harapan time but he allowed us to impose another five percent sales tax on petroleum export products.

"We achieved many things under Muhyiddin so we feel that this government can continue paying attention to Sarawak.

"We would like to see that the government does not collapse because the government can serve Sarawak's interest," he said.

Alexander, who is the Kapit MP, said stability is GPS' key consideration.

"What is of the utmost importance is that we want to have a stable government.

"We want to ensure that the present fight against Covid-19 continues because we believe that it is successful.

"Most of all, in Sarawak, the vaccination rate is high," he said.

He added that GPS does not want to see any disruption. - Mkini