BERA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today denied claims that he wanted to retire from politics, instead he asserted that he will continue to remain active in politics as the Bera member of parliament (MP) even though he is no longer Umno's vice president.
Ismail Sabri said he would also continue to carry out his duties as Bera Umno Division chief after winning the post unopposed.
"I am still a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bera, so I will also continue to serve as the division chief, and so there is no reason for me to retire. I never said I wanted to retire, I just gave the impression that I will not be running for the vice presidency," he said.
Ismail Sabri was speaking at a Press conference after officiating the closing ceremony of a flood rescue training programme organised by the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department involving the participation of 70 representatives from rescue agencies and local community leaders in the district of Bera.
Although it is understood that he won unopposed after the Bera Umno secretary announced there were no other nominations received by the deadline at 5pm on Feb 26, Ismail Sabri said he would wait for the final decision from the Umno headquarters.
Commenting on whether he would make a comeback for any of the party's top positions in the future or continue to defend the Bera parliamentary seat in the next general election, Ismail Sabri said: "Only time will tell."
"Five years is a long time. I will be older by then, 68 years-old. For some people, 68 is still young while some other may feel old.
"Let's see if I'll contest in the next GE. I have groomed some young and capable leaders in Bera as well.
"If they perform well, I have no problem giving way to them. Five years is a long period, anything can happen. Let's wait and see." he said. – Bernama