PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional has unanimously agreed to nominate Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as its prime minister candidate to ensure continuity of the former ruling coalition's policies, says its coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       Muhyiddin, who is also caretaker Prime Minister and Bersatu president, said all 50 Perikatan MPs (31 from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, 18 from PAS and one from Sabah STAR), as well as four Perikatan-friendly independents, had handed over statutory declarations (SDs) naming Ismail Sabri as their choice to Istana Negara on Wednesday (Aug 18).

       Muhyiddin said he also negotiated with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) to make the same choice.

       "This decision was made to ensure continuity of Perikatan policies, which have been focused on battling Covid-19 and healing the nation until the right time comes for the 15th General Election to be held to return the mandate to the people.

       "This decision also means that Perikatan prioritises political stability and the people's well-being more than revenge politics and power struggles.

       "When faced with such a situation of crisis, politicians must be magnanimous for the best interests of the people and the nation," he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 19).

       However, the Pagoh MP noted that Perikatan's support for Ismail Sabri was conditional and that, should the King consent to his appointment as prime minister, his Cabinet line-up must comprise those with integrity and trustworthiness who are also free of any charges in court.

       The Perikatan government under Ismail Sabri's leadership must also continue the practice of respecting the separation of powers, protecting judicial independence and upholding the Constitutional Monarchy, he added.

       "As Perikatan chairman, I will continue to serve the people and get the party ready to face GE15 when the time comes," he said.