PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) will withdraw its support for Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister if he includes persons facing criminal trials in his cabinet, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

The PN chairman said this was the condition outlined by the pact before its 50 Members of Parliament submitted their statutory declarations in favour of the Umno vice-president.

“If appointed by the Agong as the prime minister, he (Ismail Sabri) must ensure that his cabinet consists of persons with integrity, who are trustworthy and not entangled any criminal cases,” Muhyiddin said in a statement today.

The former prime minister said PN, which is a coalition of Bersatu (31 MPs), PAS (18) and STAR (one), had unanimously agreed to support Ismail Sabri to become the prime minister so that the previous government’s policies in battling the Covid-19 pandemic and restoring the economy could be continued.

He said he had also held meetings with GPS, PBS and four independents MPs to do the same to support Ismail Sabri.

They were all part of the PN government headed by Muhyiddin. 

He said they wanted Ismail Sabri to lead the new government to steer it towards calling for election soon.

“This decision also means PN gives importance to political stability and the people’s well-being instead being involved in power grabs.

“In line with PN’s principles to uphold a government with integrity, I would also like to stress that PN’s support for Ismail Sabri is conditional,” said the Pagoh MP and Bersatu chairman.

He also said that Ismail Sabri’s government must respect the separation of power, ensure the independence of the judiciary and adhere to the concept of constitutional monarchy.

He added that as the chairman of PN, he would continue to serve the people and prepare the pact to face GE15.

Muhyiddin stepped down as prime minister on Monday after losing his thin majority in Dewan Rakyat following the withdrawal of support from 15 Umno lawmakers.

The 15 were led by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Najib Razak, both of whom are facing a long list of criminal charges.

However, 23 other Umno lawmakers, headed by Ismail Sabri, continued their support for Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin had said that he was prepared to step down rather than work with kleptocrats, referring to the Umno leaders who are facing trials.

Yesterday, Umno MPs united again to stand behind Ismail Sabri as the new prime minister candidate.

The Malaysian Insight learned that Ismail Sabri has the support of 114 lawmakers, which means he has the simple majority.

The Agong is meeting the 114 lawmakers today to ascertain their support for Ismail Sabri. – August 19, 2021.