Umno sec-gen: BN MPs will intervene as one if Harapan can't decide on PM

Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa said BN and PAS MPs will only intervene if Pakatan Harapan is unable to resolve its prime ministerial succession plan.

He said in the event that happens, BN and PAS will act collectively.

He said this amid speculations that competing factions were vying for support from Umno MPs to either ensure PKR president Anwar Ibrahim succeeds Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahatihr Mohamad as prime minister or the latter remains as PM for a full term.

"For now, Umno has yet to make any decision as it is considered too premature. The issue of transition from the seventh to the eighth prime minister is Harapan's internal affair which can be decided by its 138 MPs.

"Only if Harapan fails to achieve a consensus does the need for the opposition bloc to take a position arise.

"To this end, the Umno supreme council will first discuss the matter and consult BN component parties as well as PAS as our Muafakat Nasional partner before taking any position," Annuar (above) said in a statement today.

He said the decision will then be conveyed to BN whip Mahdzir Khalid, who will compel the coalition's MPs to act as one.

"God willing, whatever decision will be an 'en bloc' one and will be obeyed by all BN MPs," he said.

On PAS and six Umno MPs backing Mahathir to serve as prime minister for a full term, Annuar said this was their personal positions.

"I urge all quarters not to be too hasty in making guesses and conclusions before the time when we will need to make such a decision," he said.