Ismail Sabri’s Cabinet: Umno, Bersatu insiders disclose who’s being nominated for which posts
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is not keen on having a deputy, let alone one from political rival Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, party insiders divulged.
(MMO) – However, sources from both Umno and Bersatu told Malay Mail that Ismail may have little choice but to appoint one as it was among the conditions laid down by Bersatu in return for its support to his prime ministership last week.
And the Bersatu nominee for the DPM post is Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, who has also been suggested to be put in charge of the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
“Azmin was suggested as DPM and MoF,” a Bersatu insider said on condition of anonymity.
The source added that Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, whose resignation as prime minister on August 16 paved the way for Ismail’s rise to power, has told his successor that the party will withdraw its support if he does not choose someone from his party to be his deputy.
“Muhyiddin will pull out support if Ismail does not appoint a DPM from Bersatu,” the source said.
Azmin’s nomination for the two posts has not been well received by Umno, a party insider said.
This is because the country’s biggest political party is coveting the Finance Ministry portfolio as well. The Umno source was tightlipped on the party’s own candidates.
However, two names from the party have been openly floated; Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, and Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, neither of whom are currently an MP.
The Umno source said that if either is chosen, he would be appointed a senator.
“Bottom line is, the MoF should be aligned well with the prime minister,” the Umno insider told Malay Mail yesterday.
