PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he is more comfortable not sharing his views on whether the Umno election or 15th general election (GE15) should be held first, although as head of government he is mulling over a suitable time to call for GE15.

The Umno vice-president said the issue of which election should come first has party members expressing various views.

“However, this (Parliament’s dissolution) is not the absolute right of the prime minister as it also requires the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Let us not pre-empt the king’s powers by making statements on matters under His Majesty’s jurisdiction,” he said, when winding up the debate at the Bera Umno delegates meeting in Bera, Pahang, today.

He said to avoid grassroots confusion, Umno needs to make a stand on its cooperation with PAS under Muafakat Nasional (MN).

He added that the Umno Supreme Council or general assembly, which will be held next month, should make the decision.

“The Umno-PAS cooperation under MN has not been abandoned as there is no decision saying we should cut ties whether from the supreme council or general assembly.

“The decision still stands, meaning we should cut down on statements about PAS. There needs to be a clear decision as at moment, some say yes, others say no (to the cooperation).”

Ismail said in his opinion, MN still exists although both components have not met in a while, adding that he hopes the two parties can meet soon.

The lack of a clear stand has caused UMNO leaders in some states like Selangor to make statements in support of a PAS cooperation, while those in Terengganu want to end it.

“Selangor’s statement expressing its wish to continue the cooperation is not wrong as it is in accordance with what was decided at the last general assembly. Bera Umno will also continue the PAS cooperation, and I believe Pahang will abide by that assembly (decision), too.

“I am of the view that there should be relaxation for states to make decisions suitable to their respective needs.” – Bernama, December 18, 2021.