The proposal was put forward at the division’s annual meeting today and seconded unanimously by all members, Bernama reported.

The resolution states that Ketereh Umno division fully supports the decision of the party’s Supreme Council and the general assembly that Ismail be the candidate for the prime ministership after the elections.

The resolution attributed to Ismail all the initiatives taken by his coalition in the transformation of Parliament, the switch to the endemic phase of the Covid-19 outbreak, economic recovery, efforts to curb inflation and the cost of living, defending the monarchy, ensuring the welfare of the people, peace and harmony and bringing forward the Malaysian Family initiative through prosperity, unity and wellbeing.

Ketereh Umno is led by Annuar Musa, communications and multimedia minister in Ismail’s government and a member of the caretaker Cabinet.

The division had previously adopted a similar resolution to back Ismail when his tenure appeared to be in doubt. In December, four months after Ismail had formed a new government, the division had adopted a resolution backing Ismail to remain as prime minister until the expiry of the 14th Parliament’s term in July 2023.