FORMER prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated that he never left politics although he is seen as going into hiding because he never appeared on the frontline anymore.

In fact, he said he is still Bera Umno division chief and serving the constituent as their Member of Parliament.

“I never left politics. Some may think I did so but I am still a division chief.

“When I was the prime minister, I found limited time for Bera. Now is the time to focus on them since they are the ones supporting and backing me up,” he said to Sinar Harian on Tuesday.

Ismail Sabri was Umno’s vice president since December 20, 2018 however did not defend his position in the party’s election in 2023.

Umno’s secretary-general at that time Ahmad Maslan said the decision was made as Ismail Sabri has reached the pinnacle of his political carrier when he became the prime minister.