KOTA KINABALU: Umno's decision to nominate Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as its prime minister candidate for GE15 will stabilise Umno and Barisan Nasional, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

       The Sabah Umno chief said the decision also reflected an "extraordinary" level of solidarity and maturity that would lead the party towards its goal of ensuring it forms a stable government for the country's prosperity.

       "Sabah Umno welcomes the decision. We have always given strong support to the party's decision to nominate Ismail Sabri as the prime ministerial candidate after the 15th general election," he said when contacted here Friday (April 15).

       Bung, who was also a member of the Umno supreme council, said that the solidarity reflected on the attitude of Umno leaders who had prioritised the interests of the nation and the party above their own personal interests.

       "The decision to nominate Ismail Sabri as a candidate will certainly create an element of stability not only to the party's image, but also strengthen the external perspective on Malaysia's political future," he said.

       Bung said Umno was different from Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional who were confused on their choice of prime minister after GE15 because they had been prioritising personal interests over national interests.

       Bung said that the decision of the Umno supreme council would give ample space for the prime minister to compile and create an agenda to win the hearts and minds of the people to support Barisan Nasional.

       Bung urged Umno leadership at all levels to focus on organising the party's machinery and work to ensure the victory of Barisan Nasional in GE15.