KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister's offer to the Opposition to work together is a "rare opportunity" to set aside political differences for the rakyat and the country, says Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

       "Given the uncertain political scenario, whichever side one takes, this is a rare opportunity to work together and set aside political differences, living up to the 'rakyat first' slogan," said Ongkili whose party is part of the Perikatan Nasional government at the federal level on Friday (Aug 13).

       He said the more urgent task is to win the battle against Covid-19 to save lives and achieve economic recovery.

       "It is not the time to quarrel and fight over who should be prime minister. We can solve that problem by going for a general election.

       "But this is not the time for an election. The rakyat deserves better service from the government rather than being pushed to go to the polls during such a tragic time as this," he said when commenting on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's offer of bipartisan cooperation with the national Opposition parties.

       He said the seven proposals for stability and cooperation by the Prime Minister should be considered positively by all parties.

       "It is an opportunity for inter-party cooperation and to work hand-in-hand to put this country back on a firm footing on the road to health and economic recovery.

       "I call on my colleagues in the opposition to seize this opportunity to put the country's needs and priorities for economic and political stability, and together, take this country forward as our commitment of solidarity," said Ongkili, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs.