KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s olive branch to the opposition has also received the thumbs up from PAS, Umno’s Muafakat Nasional partner.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said Ismail Sabri’s reaching across the aisle is a mature political move, seeing that there is no longer a dominant party in the country.
“PAS is of the view that the steps taken are in line with the current political reality where there is no single dominant political party.
“Therefore, we welcome the response of the opposition leaders for supporting the national recovery efforts carried out by the federal government that has space for all parties to contribute ideas to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic and social effects.
“PAS is confident that, at the same time, the government will continue to interact and create more constructive cooperation involving all stakeholders, including the opposition, on reform measures.”
He added that this signals a good start for a new political landscape in the country.
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man agreed that the new political landscape should be strengthened and urged lawmakers to set aside their political agendas.
“A political culture that prioritises peace can be translated professionally through diplomacy with the relevant parties to address issues of the people and country,” he said in a statement today.
Just months ago, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had rejected the idea after the alleged new alignment between Umno and its nemesis PKR.
Following that, Umno had distanced itself, reiterating the stand of “No Anwar, No DAP”, while PAS continued supporting the previous Perikatan Nasional government despite keeping Muafakat in its sights.
Yesterday, the Pakatan Harapan presidential council met Ismail Sabri to hash out an agreement to reduce political tensions, in line with the king’s decree, indicating the coalition would not stand in the way if the current government continues to share a cordial working relationship with the opposition in ensuring people-centric initiatives are delivered.
This followed a 90-minute meeting between Ismail Sabri and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Anwar said the matter of him being given a ministerial post did not arise during the meeting, adding that the coalition leaders are not interested in any cabinet position. – The Vibes, August 26, 2021
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