JOHOR BARU: The appointment of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the ninth Prime Minister is a “new face” from Umno, says state party treasurer Datuk Md Jais Sarday (pic).

       He said this is important, as it sends a message to the people that Umno has new leaders in its fold to manage the country.

       "Ismail Sabri is the first person appointed to the top post who is not the party president. I would like to congratulate the new Prime Minister, but he already has his job cut out for him, especially helping the people who are unemployed and also helping the children who have lost almost two years of education due to Covid-19," he said in an interview on Friday (Aug 20).

       Jais said that Ismail Sabri also needed to rebrand the new government so that it is not seen as a new Perikatan Nasional 2.0.

       "He has a huge responsibility now but I am confident he will be able to do his best for the country especially during this pandemic," said Jais, who is also the Kluang division chief.

       He added this new government should not only focus on the Covid-19 pandemic, but also on helping the people as there are many who are currently unemployed.

       Jais also said that Ismail Sabri should work with various parties and form a consultative committee of Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Perikatan members to handle the pandemic.

       "We (Umno) must learn from past mistakes and we do not want to make the same mistake as the previous administration," he added.

       He also stressed on the need for all Umno leaders to back Ismail Sabri especially during this critical juncture in the country.