STOP speculating Umno ministers have been asked to quit their posts in the cabinet by their party, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 

He said the Umno Annual General Assembly 2020 has decided that the ministers will remain in government until parliament is dissolved.

“No need for other speculation (on quitting) as it has been decided at the Umno general assembly,” he said at a press conference at Royale Chulan Hotel in Damansara, Petaling Jaya, today.

“The Umno general assembly is the highest authority in the party. Its decision is final.”

On March 28, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said most of the delegates at the party’s 2020 general assembly had supported the call for all ministers and members with any government posts to quit if the general election is not called soon.

Zahid, in his winding-up speech, had also challenged Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa to resign from the government and called him a “pest” and “backstabber” for continuing to support the Perikatan Nasional government.

He said Umno ministers owed their positions to the party and should show loyalty to the party instead of their posts.

As for when the Umno party election will be held, Ismail Sabri said according to its constitution, polls for a new term must be held before June. 

However, he said, the polls can be delayed by up to 18 months if a general election is to be held this year. 

“It’s up to the Umno Supreme Council to proceed with the election before June or extend (the tenure of the office-bearers).” – April 9, 2021.