Talks only valid when decided on by Umno leadership, says Ismail

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today said that any negotiations involving Umno are considered valid when they are decided by the party leadership.

The Umno vice-president said all negotiations should be carried out in accordance with the party's policy.

"The party must decide who is eligible to represent the party to negotiate and so on. If you go as an individual, you cannot be considered as representing the party.

"Whatever negotiations are carried out must be done officially and decided on by Umno... negotiations made at informal meetings will not be regarded as a decision for Umno," he said after an event in Kuala Lumpur.

Ismail said this when asked about a claim by a PAS leader of secret talks between the party and Umno to ensure straight fights with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 15th general election (GE15).

PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin was reported to have said that the party was trying to make Umno realise that the real enemy in GE15 was PH, not Bersatu.

On PAS' proposal to hold negotiations over 27 critical parliamentary seats in GE15, Ismail said it could be brought for discussion at the Umno Supreme Council meeting.

PAS, at its recent general assembly in Kedah, expressed hope of negotiations with Barisan Nasional on the 27 seats in question.