Ismail Sabri reaches out to opposition, hopes for united front in battling pandemic

KUALA LUMPUR – Among the first calls Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob made upon his announcement as the country’s ninth prime minister were to several opposition members, where he gave his commitment to work with them.
 
While not explicitly offering the formation of a unity government, the move appears to strike a conciliatory tone, as he endeavours to get the opposition on board in the government’s battle against Covid-19.
 
This is in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s earlier wish for both sides of the divide and whoever is appointed as prime minister to work together in handling the health and economic crises. 
 
Sources familiar with the matter said Ismail Sabri, who is an Umno vice-president, had reached out to a few Pakatan Harapan (PH) members last night, moments after the palace confirmed his appointment as the new head of government. 
 
Among them was PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who tweeted about receiving a phone call from the incoming prime minister. 

Speaking to The Vibes, sources also said Ismail Sabri understands the importance of having the opposition’s voices heard, being a former opposition leader in Parliament himself from March 2019 to February last year. 
 
“He knows how important it is to have both benches working together, especially in a time of crisis, like today.
 
“He wants to bridge the divide that is currently present between the two sides, in the hopes they can cooperate in facing the twin health and economic crises.” 
 
It is understood the gesture made by Ismail Sabri was appreciated and welcomed by those in the opposition camp, who have been left to lick their wounds after being unable to garner enough support to form the new government. 
 
The Bera MP’s action is a move away from the hard stance taken by his predecessor, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who showed almost no attempt to reach out to the opposite bench in his 17 months in power, even as the pandemic reached critical levels. 
 
The only time Muhyiddin sought cooperation was just days before his resignation, as he made a last-ditch attempt to get the backing of the opposition, having lost majority support. 
 
Then, the Bersatu president promised a slew of reforms, on the condition that he has the backing of rival MPs when his legitimacy is put to test in Parliament, an offer that was outrightly rejected. 
 
This forced him to relinquish his position on Monday, prompting the Agong to look for a new prime minister. 

Ismail Sabri is scheduled to be sworn in at 2.30pm today. Among his first major decisions now is to appoint the new cabinet.
 
He also faces a vote of confidence in Parliament, as decreed by the Agong. The next sitting of the Dewan Rakyat begins on September 6.
 
Prior to Ismail Sabri’s appointment, the Agong had decreed that whoever takes over the top job must be a bridge between the two benches in Parliament. 
 
His Majesty again reiterated this point in a statement announcing Ismail Sabri’s appointment yesterday, saying he hopes that all MPs will set aside their political differences and unite to combat the pandemic, in the best interests of the rakyat and nation. 
 
“Lawmakers are reminded to demonstrate solidarity by prioritising and providing their services and commitments to the people,” he had said. – The Vibes, August 21, 2021