ARAU: The Arau Umno division today approved a motion to back Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the prime minister candidate, joining the other two divisions in Perlis which approved the motion yesterday.
Its division chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the motion was unanimously approved by the delegates, in line with the party supreme council's motion to name Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president as the 10th Prime Minister candidate in the 15th general election (GE15).
"Arau Umno division supports Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the party's 'poster boy' for GE15 and also as the PM candidate.
"We fully support the supreme council's motion to ensure stability and unity in the party as we are gearing up for the GE15," he told reporters after opening the division's annual delegates meeting at Dewan Sivik Arau here today.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today also reaffirmed the party's stand that Ismail Sabri is the prime minister candidate for the GE15.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported several other Umno divisions supporting the motion. Among the divisions are Padang Terap, Kedah and Tampin, Negri Sembilan.
Padang Terap division chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said in addition to the motion to support the Bera Member of Parliament, the division also approved a motion of confidence for president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the party leadership to formulate a strategy to strengthen Umno.
In Negri Sembilan, Tampin Division chief Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa said their support for Ismail Sabri was based on his ability to restore the country's political situation despite leading a coalition government.
In Melaka, State Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Melaka Umno had vowed to make GE15 a platform to get rid of traitors and those who were disloyal or had defied the party.
At the Masjid Tanah Umno delegates meeting which he officiated, a motion to appoint a BN Member of Parliament from Melaka as full minister was also approved.