PETALING JAYA: The decision to appoint Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to head the National Recovery Council (NRC) is the prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       "The party (Umno) has made a stand to support Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's appointment as Prime Minister.

       “This means, the party leaves it to his wisdom as Prime Minister in making decisions on matters which he feels are appropriate in captaining the administration of the country," the Umno president said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Sept 8).

       Ahmad Zahid said he felt compelled to address the questions raised over the former prime minister's appointment to the post.

       "I received a lot of inquiries, and even had the opportunity to read the various comments questioning Umno's stand on the formation of the Cabinet and appointment of the former prime minister as chairman of the National Recovery Council," he noted.

       He added the party’s stand on Muhyiddin's appointment can also be seen as validating Ismail Sabri's prime ministerial powers under the Federal Constitution.

       "In relation to this, it falls to his (Ismail Sabri) responsibility to ensure that the government will function accordingly and not repeat the mistakes of the previous administration," he added.

       The Bagan Datuk MP also said that this showed that Umno has been consistent in its stand.

       "We have since given our support to the Prime Minister and on behalf of the party, I will ensure Umno continues to be the eyes, ears and voice of the rakyat in matters touching on their well being and prosperity of the nation," he added.

       On Saturday (Sept 4), Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali announced that the Cabinet has appointed Muhyiddin to head the NRC with ministerial status.

       On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said that the Umno leadership will deliver the two mandates given by the party's grassroots.

       The first mandate, he said, was for the general election to be held once herd immunity is achieved to allow voters to choose a stable government.

       The second mandate, he added, was for Umno to contest in its traditional seats in the polls which had been betrayed by some in the last general election.

       "What had been entrusted cannot be comprised and must be returned (to Umno) for contest.

       "This includes the decision of the Umno general assembly to hinder cooperation with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) after Parliament is dissolved for the coming 15th general election," he added.

       Ahmad Zahid's faction within the Ummo leadership was responsible for the collapse of Muhyiddin's administration last month after they withdrew support for his leadership.