PETALING JAYA: Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has given the thumbs-up to the signing of the historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government and Opposition.

       "While Covid-19 has yet to subside and the economy also has yet to fully recover, it is acceptable that the MOU is signed," he said when contacted on Monday (Sept 13).

       He added that it was important to continue the war against Covid-19 until it is over, because the lives, health and welfare of the people remain top priorities.

       He added that working together to fight Covid-19 is part of a larger effort to restore the national economy to a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable level.

       "Once Covid-19 is under control and the economy has reached recovery level, it would be good to return the mandate to the people in a peaceful and harmonious manner," he noted.

       He also noted that for him personally, the rakyat's interest should always be prioritised.

       "What is best for the rakyat must be implemented. And what is bad for the rakyat must be avoided.

       "In the end, the rakyat will decide which government is the best for them," said the senior Umno lawmaker.

       Earlier on Monday evening, government and Pakatan Harapan leaders inked the MOU on bipartisan cooperation.

       They signed the historic document at a ceremony held at Parliament's banquet hall at 5pm.