Ismail denies retirement plans

Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today denied claims that he wished to retire from politics, saying he would remain active as the MP for Bera even though he was no longer an Umno vice-president. 

Ismail said he would also continue carrying out his duties as Bera Umno division chief after winning the post unopposed.

"I am still the MP for Bera, so I will continue to serve as the division chief.

"There is no reason for me to retire. I never said I wanted to retire, I just gave the impression that I would not be running for the vice-presidency," he said at a press conference in Bera.  

Although it was understood that he had won unopposed after the Bera Umno secretary announced that there were no other nominations by the deadline of 5pm on Feb 26, Ismail said he would wait for the final decision from the Umno headquarters.

On whether he would make a comeback in any of the party's top positions or continue to defend the Bera parliamentary seat at the next general election, Ismail said time would tell.

"Five years is a long time. I will be old at that time... already 68 years old. For some people, 68 is still young and some people feel old. 

"Let’s see (if I’ll contest at the next election). I have groomed some young and capable leaders in Bera as well.

"If they perform well, I have no problem giving way to them. Five years is a long period, anything can happen... let’s wait," he said.