Ismail Sabri unfazed by Perikatan’s talk of withdrawal

(The Star) – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is not troubled by reports that Perikatan Nasional may withdraw its support for the government.

When asked to comment on the reports, the Prime Minister said: “I am aware of this. We live in a democratic country so anyone is free to say anything.

“What’s important is that we must be ready regardless of the situation,” he said.

He added that the election was definitely on, with only the date yet to be set.

Previously, Perikatan had said that it would soon be sending a delegation to meet Ismail Sabri to discuss the execution of the terms of an agreement of political cooperation it signed with him.

On August 3, Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had also mentioned that he expected to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Aug 4.

The meeting however was cancelled at the last minute, with Perikatan then saying they may pull out from the government in protest over the Prime Minister’s reluctance to honour the agreement to appoint a deputy prime minister from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.