KUALA LUMPUR – In a bid to be inclusive, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has invited Pakatan Harapan (PH) chiefs to a meeting at his office today.
PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said on Twitter that the invitation to PKR’s Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also opposition leader, DAP’s Lim Guan Eng, and Amanah’s Mohamad Sabu came directly from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting, which began at 2pm today, ended at 3.30pm.
The agenda of the meeting was not mentioned by Fahmi, but it is likely to discuss the opposition’s role and participation in assisting the government in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, in line with the wishes of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Ismail Sabri, in his inaugural address as prime minister on Sunday, had extended an offer for opposition leaders to be members of the National Recovery Council (NRC) and the Special Committee to Manage Covid-19.
In a statement earlier today, the PH presidential council had said that the coalition will consider joining the NRC and Covid-19 committee to ensure honesty on the part of the government in handling the twin health and economic crises.
“We hope (our inclusion) is not just for the sake of it, or to have us as a rubber stamp for the government’s views,” it said.
Prior to and upon Ismail Sabri’s appointment as the country’s ninth prime minister, the Agong had decreed for all parties to set aside their differences and unite for the nation.
His Majesty said this is crucial for the country to battle the raging pandemic, which has so far shown no sign of receding.
Immediately upon his appointment on Saturday, Ismail Sabri had contacted a number of opposition members, giving 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 the Bera MP endeavours to get the opposition on board in the government’s battle against Covid-19. – The Vibes, August 25, 2021
