Zahid’s opinion is not Umno’s opinion

(FMT) – The call to reconvene Parliament within 14 days was not made by the Umno Supreme Council, but was the opinion of the party’s political bureau, Ismail Sabri Yaakob has said.

The senior minister for security said: “It is unanimous in Umno that Parliament should be reopened but the definition of ‘as fast as possible’ is up to interpretation.

“The 14 days stated was the opinion of the political bureau. But the one that ultimately decides is the Supreme Council and the bureau only suggests,” The Star reported him as saying at a press conference at the Sri Johor flats in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued the Perikatan Nasional-led government an ultimatum to reopen Parliament within 14 days, stating that failure to do so would be “viewed as insolence towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong”.

He added that no decision had been made by Umno yet on what actions would be taken if the suggestion to reopen Parliament in two weeks was not followed.

“Umno’s suggestion is to have proceedings in 14 days. On what action to take if it does not proceed, we have not discussed that yet,” he said, adding that a Supreme Council meeting will be held to discuss the matter.

Ismail had earlier visited 59-year-old retired soldier Suria Mohamad Hassan, who had previously been living under the Loke Yew Bridge with his family.

The minister said additional aid would be given to Suria through the veteran affairs department.

A more permanent home for the former soldier and his family had also been found, with Ismail adding that they should be able to move in by this week.