KUALA LUMPUR: There has been mounting pressure from UMNO for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to call for the 15th general election (GE15) soon.
The Prime Minister now faces the issue of deciding between his party and political career, says political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis.
“It is a very big dilemma, to either satisfy the call from your party or to try and protect your position, not only as Prime Minister but also your fate as a seasoned politician,” he said.
He noted that UMNO was currently at a “disadvantageous position” following several corruption scandals involving its members.
Mujibu expects Ismail to prolong holding GE15, to allow the court to decide on the fate of his fellow UMNO members’ charges.
“If UMNO’s cases are settled by the court, it will boost Ismail’s reputation as the Prime Minister by showing that he is concerned and steadfast in fighting corruption and upholding political integrity in his administration.
“But we need to understand that we are not dealing with a political persona. Rather, Malaysian elections require you to vote for a party instead of a person. So, this will be very tricky for him.”
A string of corruption trials involving senior UMNO leaders have been taking place, with former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak most recently sentenced to 12 years in jail after the Federal Court dismissed his final appeal in his SRC International case.
At the same time, UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is facing 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and bribery during his time as Home Minister.
Others facing corruption charges include former Tabung Haji chairman and Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim; former Felcra chairman and Kinbatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin; as well as former Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Ab Samad.
Commenting on Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s recent resignation as the Prime Minister’s special adviser, Mujibu said this had both positive and negative impacts for Ismail.
“From UMNO’s perspective, her resignation will put more pressure on Ismail because Azalina has been seen as a progressive member who does not side with any camp. With this resignation, it shows that it has decided which camp she is going to join,” he said.
However, Mujibu said this development was good for Ismail’s personal reputation as Azalina’s recent statement regarding the judiciary has caused “dissatisfaction among neutral voters”.
Azalina recently courted controversy at a special UMNO briefing for division leaders last month, where she questioned the appointment of the Attorney-General.
She also questioned the apex court’s decision to reject Najib’s bid to postpone proceedings after changing his team of lawyers.
In the coming weeks, Mujibu predicted UMNO would push for Ismail to step down as Prime Minister if he failed to answer their calls for GE15 soon.
“Rather than expecting more government resignations, we can expect whether UMNO will pile up its pressure, to a point where they’ll dare to sack Ismail as a member of UMNO or as vice president.”
Faye Kwan
Mon Sep 05 2022
There has been mounting pressure from UMNO for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to call for the 15th general election (GE15) soon.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.