KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional and the 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 which was not questioned by any MP during a meeting of Barisan MPs held at the coalition's headquarters at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre on Tuesday (Aug 17) night.

       The source also confirmed that all the MPs had put down their signatures in black and white and decided to throw their weight behind the Umno vice-president.

       "All statutory declarations from Barisan MPs will be sent to Istana Negara on Wednesday (Aug 18) as requested by the King.

       "The meeting was chaired by Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi," said the source.

       Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, while exiting Umno headquarters at around 11pm, also 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 had credibility.

       Sembrong MP 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 also confirmed Ismail had received the support of Barisan MPs to be the next prime minister.