KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional and Umno supreme council have endorsed Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as their choice for prime minister.

       “He has the numbers and is our choice for the ninth prime minister,” said sources.

       Sources said it was a unanimous decision that was not questioned by any MP during a meeting of Barisan MPs held at the coalition’s headquarters at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre last night.

       Sources also confirmed that all the MPs have put down their signatures and decided to throw their weight behind the Umno vice-president.

       “All statutory declarations from the Barisan MPs will be sent to Istana Negara on Aug 18 as requested by the King,” said a source.

       The two meetings were chaired by Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       Umno’s Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, who walked out at around 11pm, said the decision was unanimous but only smiled when asked who the candidate was.

       Padang Besar MP Zahidi Zainul Abidin said the Umno leadership would announce the name of the candidate, commenting that he was credible.

       Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said they were now looking for stability.

       “We want stability for the country and economy and we need to focus on Covid-19,” he said.

       MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Barisan MPs had decided on the coalition’s choice for prime minister.

       Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman said Ismail Sabri had received the support of Barisan MPs to be the next prime minister.