PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has invited opposition lawmakers to be part of the National Recovery Council and the Special Committee on Covid-19.

In his inaugural speech this evening, Ismail said it was imperative that political stability is swiftly achieved through togetherness, and that this includes cross-party cooperation.

“Looking back on the last general election (GE14), with only 21 months remaining until GE15, the country had seen two changes of government with two different prime ministers. Indeed, such swift changes of government within a short period of time can only be construed as detrimental to the people and country.”

“Thus, let us move forward. We must stamp out this grab for political power. Let us, as one big family comprising civil servants, private sector workers and those self-employed, repair, heal and recover our nation.”

Ismail said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, in his meeting with the heads of all political parties recently, decreed that all lawmakers bury their differences for the sake of prosperity and the welfare of the people.

He said all parties should work as a team to preserve harmony. “In other words, we must embrace the spirit of togetherness.

“Therefore, I would like to offer the opportunity to the leadership of the opposition to be a part of the National Recovery Council and the Special Committee on Covid-19,” Ismail said.

Ismail is the country’s 9th prime minister, and replaced Bersatu’s Muhyiddin Yassin after the Pagoh MP lost the support of a majority of the lawmakers.

Ismail is the third person to serve as prime minister since the 2018 general election.

In his speech today Ismail also referred to the people as keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian family) and called on people from all walks of life, including the government and opposition MPs, to unite.

“I call on all MPs, be it within or outside the government, to join forces in reviving the country.

“Let us adopt an open mind in finding common ground and not deepen our differences. We need to stand together to save our family, the Malaysian family,” he said.

The Bera MP said he was pushing the concept of a Malaysian family because it is more inclusive.

“It cuts across religious and racial lines. A family may marry people of different races and religions, but their family values tie them together,” he

“I solemnly pledge to work with the people,” he said. – August 22, 2021.