PETALING JAYA: After an audience with the King, several MPs have now urged leaders to set aside their political differences so that everyone can unite and battle the Covid-19 pandemic together as a nation.

       PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said Umno vice-president (Bera MP) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was the best candidate to continue what was previously planned by the Perikatan Nasional government when it was the governing coalition.

       “He is able to continue the responsibilities that he is entrusted with.

       “The cooperation between the three parties will also continue smoothly as a basis for the upcoming general election,” he said.

       PAS’ Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari regarded Ismail Sabri as the best prime minister candidate to fight Covid-19, given his previous experience as a Senior Minister in charge of security and he has regularly addressed the public since the pandemic began last year.

       “He is also a figure who is clean from any corruption and misconduct allegations and is also considered to be the ‘bridge’ between the different parties under Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional.”

       In congratulating Ismail Sabri, Ahmad Fadhli also hoped the Opposition would be able to accept the Umno vice-president’s candidacy as prime minister.

       “No more extreme politicking that can undermine political and government stability,” he added.

       Bersatu-friendly Julau MP Larry Sng, who is among the four independent MPs supporting Ismail Sabri, said the continuation of the Perikatan government will ensure continuity in funding and the development of its policies which have benefited Sarawak and the Julau constituency.

       Sng also wished Ismail Sabri success in his new responsibilities, saying that there are big hopes by the public.

       “The people’s hopes and trust lies in his wisdom in steering this country out of the pandemic and to rebuild our economy and strengthen our coalition till the next election.”

       Sng called on Opposition parties to reduce politicking for the sake of national interest.

       “People are tired and we need to move forward together as one. I hope the Opposition will give their support to this government.”

       Independent Kuala Langat MP Xavier Jayakumar said he decided to support Ismail Sabri as the prime minister candidate in order to see the Covid-19 vaccination programme continue.

       He said vaccination is important in order to save lives and livelihoods, and there is a need to open up the economy as soon as possible and get the country back on the road to recovery.

       A total of 114 MPs were summoned to the Istana Negara for an audience with the King yesterday.

       Only MPs nominating Ismail Sabri were invited for the audience with the King.

       Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah will chair a Conference of Malay Rulers meeting today at 2.30pm.