Ismail to decide on polls after talks with ministers, Umno leaders

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today assured that he would hold discussions with Umno’s “Top Five” on the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the 15th general election (GE15).

The “Top Five” refers to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Mohamad Hasan and the party’s three vice-presidents: Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Mahdzir Khalid and Ismail himself.

Ismail said after the talks with the other four party leaders, he would bring the matter up for discussion in the Umno Supreme Council and the Cabinet before it is presented to the Agong.

“If we (Umno) are confident of victory, we will not wait, not even a second to dissolve Parliament for GE15,” he said to applause from Umno delegates at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The prime minister said this in his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly 2021 which ended today.

The dissolution of Parliament for GE15 was one of the issues raised by Umno delegates, including the three wings of the party, during the debates at the general assembly.

“I listened to the suggestions of the debaters on the dissolution of Parliament. I guarantee this big decision will be discussed with the party’s ‘Top Five’,” said Ismail.

He added that to win GE15, Umno must be united.

“I announced on April 1 at a mosque that we will close ranks and in Umno, we must also join forces together with the party leadership.

“If we are united, Insha Allah, GE15 victory will be in the hands of Umno,” he said.

The current Parliament term expires in June 2023. GE15 must be held by July of that year.