KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has left the decision regarding his candidacy to defend the Bera parliamentary seat in the next General Election (GE16) to Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The former Umno vice-president said the decision on whether he will contest or otherwise depends entirely on the issuance of a letter of appointment by the party’s top leadership.
"If the Umno president gives the letter of appointment for me to contest, then I will contest. If there is no letter, then I will not contest,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the International Symposium on Malay Language Aspirations (SAABM) and the ‘Malam Puisi Mengukir Bangsa’ event here on Monday (April 27).
Ismail Sabri, who has been the Member of Parliament for Bera since 2004, has represented the constituency for five terms.
Meanwhile, commenting on the ‘Rumah Bangsa’ concept introduced by Umno, he expressed support for the initiative, describing it as an effort to strengthen Malay unity.
He said the approach provides broader space for Malay participation, including former members who were expelled, individuals from other parties, as well as those who are unaffiliated.
"I support the president’s effort to open UMNO as widely as possible to Malays, including those who were previously expelled or who come from other parties. It is a step towards uniting the Malay community,” he said. - Bernama
