PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Annuar Musa reiterated his stand that Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should lead Barisan Nasional ahead of the 15th General Election.

       “There are some who ask me what is the rationale behind the idea of (the Umno supreme council) naming Ismail Sabri as GE15 election director and Barisan chairman.

       “Naming Ismail Sabri as prime minister candidate doesn’t have any meaning if the party does not win the election and or have enough seats to form the government.

       “Secondly, if Umno does not win at least 112 seats, it cannot decide the candidate for prime minister and will have to work with Barisan component parties to form a majority (in Parliament).

       Annuar, who is Ketereh Umno division head, said Ismail Sabri is responsible for finding the “winning formula”, which will not be an easy task, more so if he does not have a strong footing in the party.

       “Thirdly, Ismail Sabri needs to ensure the Barisan’s readiness in terms of organisation, machinery, finance, logistics and other aspects before the government is dissolved.

       Annuar also said Ismail Sabri needs to look for the right Umno candidates who can win seats.

       “Fifth, he needs to work out the right alliances to ensure Barisan’s victory. This will involve other parties giving their support to the Prime Minister.

       “The sixth and the most important is that Ismail Sabri must have a strong position in Barisan or he will only be a ‘lame duck’ prime minister which will create further instability," he said.

       Annuar added that if Ismail Sabri – having been named PM candidate – successfully navigates his role as Barisan chairman, he and the Umno president can work hand in hand to ensure a victory for Umno, Barisan component parties and other friendly parties.

       “This can only be achieved if Ismail Sabri leads Barisan and is GE15 election director, or he will remain a ‘bride in waiting’ whose fate rests in the hands of others.