KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan has defended his party’s demand for the deputy prime minister’s post, claiming it was not a new request but an unfulfilled promise.
Wan Saiful said the deputy prime minister’s post was part of the agreement for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to support Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister prior to his appointment last August.
“There was an agreement and the terms were accepted by both parties. This is not a new request but an agreement that has yet to be fulfilled,” he said in an interview with FMT.
On Saturday, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said his meeting with Ismail was to discuss political appointments, including the deputy prime minister’s post, as was previously agreed when Bersatu decided to support Ismail’s government.
Wan Saiful said he left it to Ismail to decide on who to appoint as his deputy, given that it was the prime minister’s prerogative to do so. However, he said Bersatu would pay close attention to the agreement to ensure the terms were fulfilled.
“As people, we are judged on our ability to fulfil promises. Ismail would wish to be known as a prime minister who fulfils his promises, rather than just making them.”
Wan Saiful also claimed that Bersatu and PAS lost many posts in the government after Ismail became prime minister.
He also advised Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi against interfering in the appointment of a deputy prime minister.
“I suggest Puad focuses on his duties as the speaker of the Johor state assembly,” he said, adding that Puad should leave the discussions on the appointment of a deputy prime minister to Ismail and Muhyiddin.
Yesterday, Puad said Muhyiddin’s alleged demand for someone from Bersatu to be appointed deputy prime minister would only lead to political instability.
Wan Saiful also refused to entertain rumours that Muhyiddin preferred Ahmad Faizal Azumu to be Bersatu’s nominee for deputy prime minister. - FMT
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