Ismail Sabri named new Opposition Leader in Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: The new Opposition Leader in Parliament is Umno vice-president and Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this was agreed by the Umno Supreme Council and the decision has been conveyed to MCA and MIC, who are in the Barisan Nasional coalition, as well as PAS, as part of the opposition.

"All the parties have agreed. He was chosen by virtue of his seniority and the position he is holding in the party (as vice-president)," said Mohamad.

Ismail is also currently holding the portfolio of deputy Umno president as Mohamad had stepped up to fill in the President's role, as Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is currently on garden leave.

Dewan Rakyat will convene its new session on March 11.

He said this at a press conference after chairing a monthly Supreme Council meeting.

"The position of Chief Whip, which Ismail had held, will now be held by Datuk Mahadzir Khalid," said Mohamad.

Mahdzir is the Padang Terap MP and also another vice-president of Umno.