FORMER Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has denied allegations that he and 13 Umno MPs have withdrawn their support for the unity government.

Responding to the claims circulating on social media, the Bera MP dismissed them as an attempt to tarnish his image, sow discord, and breed distrust among Barisan Nasional MPs.

He said he initially chose to ignore the allegations but decided to address them after seeing them repeatedly shared through posts and videos.

“I believe there may be ill intentions behind spreading such claims, especially against me, as they damage my reputation, even though I have always maintained my commitment to Umno,” he was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying.

The former Umno vice-president emphasised that the BN MPs’ unwavering support for the government was evident in actions such as the vote of confidence for Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

“When the motion was first tabled, all 30 BN MPs fully backed it. Every time a bill is presented, we have consistently supported it,” he said, hoping his statement would put an end to such speculation.

On March 17, BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir also denied claims that 14 Umno MPs had withdrawn support from the unity government, calling it an attempt to undermine unity among government MPs.