Ismail Sabri acting on 'kleptocrats' orders' - Azmin Ali

Ismail Sabri Yaakob's statement blaming Perikatan Nasional (PN) ministers for the political instability in the country is "shallow" and "off the mark", slammed the coalition's information chief Azmin Ali.

"It is a known secret that Parliament was dissolved upon Umno's insistence, and the real reason behind the instability and lack of harmony in today's government is the clashes for power between the 'kleptocrats' and the Ismail Sabri cluster.

"PN totally rejected the proposal to dissolve Parliament this year as we wanted to fulfil the rakyat's aspiration for economic recovery, and guard their welfare," the international trade and industry minister said in a statement today.

Azmin's (above) statement comes after the caretaker prime minister blamed the dissolution of Parliament on 12 PN ministers who penned a letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to protest against the 15th general election (GE15) being held this year.

Earlier today, PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin also called Ismail Sabri’s statement "irresponsible".

Politically motivated attack

According to Azmin, the PN ministers’ stance (in rejecting this year's polls) was an affirmation of the cabinet’s decision on Sept 21, where it was agreed that the cabinet should focus on economic recovery, and make preparations to face the flood season.

He also noted that the cabinet had on Sept 7, agreed that the Parliament’s dissolution has to undergo consultations and be decided by the cabinet before the prime minister takes the matter to the Agong to request for it.

"Ismail Sabri had previously issued a statement that the decision to dissolve Parliament will be discussed in Parliament since BN does not form the government alone.

"Why is he (Ismail Sabri) disputing the stance of PN ministers, which was previously discussed in the cabinet? It is obvious that Ismail Sabri's latest stance is on the insistence of the Umno president," he said, referring to Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Azmin claimed that Ismail Sabri’s act of blaming PN ministers on the matter is motivated by "desperate politics" to divert the rakyat's attention from the failings of Umno and BN.

"I'm confident that the rakyat can judge who's their 'real enemy'.

"PN is committed to enriching the country, spurring the country's economy, providing job opportunities, and enhancing the people's lifestyles," he added.

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