THE name of the new government – led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob – is not important as its performance, former prime minister Najib Razak said today.

According to Najib, who is now Barisan Nasional (BN) adviser, a government is not judged by its name but by its achievements.

“The name is not important, for me what is more important is the new government, the federal government… not in name, but in success.

“When I governed the country, I prioritised achievement, which meant we must always show results. This is what the people want,” he said, as quoted by Utusan Malaysia today.

Najib was speaking to reporters after handing over food aid and necessities for flood victims in Gunung Jerai, Kedah.

Since the weekend, Bersatu and Umno leaders have been at odds over whether the new administration is Perikatan Nasional or BN government.

Ismail Sabri replaced Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister last week. Senior Bersatu leaders, including Muhyiddin, refer to the new government as a “Perikatan Nasional”, which has annoyed their counterparts in Umno.

Ismail Sabri, who was asked to comment on the matter in Yan yesterday, answered briefly by saying this is a “Malaysian government”.

Ismail Sabri, 61, was sworn in as the nation’s ninth prime minister on Saturday, replacing Muhyiddin who resigned on August 16.

Ismail Sabri is expected to announce his cabinet later this week. – August 25, 2021.