BERA: Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in the Johor election will not affect relations among Cabinet ministers at the Federal Government level, says the Prime Minister.

       Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he was optimistic that his ministers would make the right decisions for political stability and the people’s well-being at this week’s Cabinet meeting.

       “We are professionals and will focus on national policies and issues... as professionals, we in the Cabinet, need to discuss and decide the country’s policies together.

       “There is no issue of us quarrelling just because we are from different parties.

       “In the Melaka election, we also clashed with each other but it was not brought to the Cabinet.

       “I am hopeful and confident,” he told reporters after opening the Malaysian Family Driving Licence Aid Programme here yesterday, Bernama reported.

       The Johor election saw Barisan winning 40 of the 56 seats up for grabs. Perikatan Nasional, which is part of the Federal Government, tussled with Barisan but won only three seats despite contesting in all constituencies.

       Ismail Sabri called on all parties which contested in the Johor polls and those which were defeated to give their support and cooperation to the mentri besar who would be appointed soon, adding that this was important for political stability and Johor’s development.

       On calls by some quarters that the 15th General Election should be held soon considering the formidable position of Barisan, the Prime Minister said the national polls would only be held when the “relevant aspects and parties are ready”.

       “Ready or not, let the party leadership decide. Many more areas need to be studied. Each result would be discussed in the party.

       “Just because one small group wants the GE held, do we have to do it? This is a major decision, we have to discuss it.

       “Apart from that, there are procedures.

       “I need to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to get his consent and if he grants it, only then we can hold it. Wait for the right time,” he added.

       On the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with Pakatan Harapan to reduce politicking after he was appointed Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri said it was still too early for him to talk about the future of the MOU which ends on July 31.

       On whether the MOU would be extended, the Bera MP and Umno vice-president said: “I do not want to speculate as it is still not time yet.”

       On the Umno general assembly scheduled to start on Wednesday, Ismail Sabri said the direction of the party was among the main issues to be deliberated, including its Muafakat Nasional alliance with PAS.

       “I am also waiting for the president’s (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) speech and as well as that of the other debaters.

       “The direction now may be different as there are many current developments including the state election.

       “After the speech it will be debated by each state for a resolution to be made... this would be the direction of Umno after this,” he said.