Umno made the right call picking Ismail Sabri to head GE charge, says Tok Mat

SEREMBAN: Umno made the right decision to name Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as its prime minister candidate in the next general election, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

This was because there was no better candidate than a sitting premier, the Umno deputy president added.

He said the decision also showed the maturity of party leaders and has effectively ended all speculation on the matter.

"A sitting PM is surely the best candidate for a poster boy.

"By naming him, we have closed all doors to speculation. The matter is settled," he told reporters after the opening of the state assembly sitting by Negri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir here on Monday (April 18).

He said a decision had to be made as there was talk of the party having internal problems and finding difficulty in selecting a "face" for the general election.

"If we had delayed this, it would not be good for the party as people would keep asking questions.

"This decision also clearly shows the unity and maturity of the party leadership," he added.

On April 14, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the decision by the party’s supreme council was unanimous.

"Since we have put our house in order and ended all speculation, we are now more stable and able to face the polls together.

"The party now has to resolve external issues and to do that, we need to come up with strategies to do well in the general election," Mohamad said.

Separately, Mohamad, who is also Umno election director, said he would be visiting every state after Ramadan to review their preparations for the coming polls.

Mohamad said among the areas of focus would be regaining seats Barisan Nasional lost in the last general election because of internal problems.