JOHOR BARU: The consensus between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Pakatan Harapan leaders to cooperate in solving the nation’s problems is a start to a positive new era, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).

       The Umno vice-president said the understanding happened three days after Ismail Sabri expressed his readiness to work beyond party and ideology in the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family).

       “Malaysian politics can no longer follow the old ways. The new paradigm in the practice of our democracy must be more flexible, open and progressive.

       “The prejudice towards the Opposition must end and so too the negative perception towards the government must change,” he said in a statement here on Wednesday (Aug 25) night.

       The former Johor mentri besar added that all were important partners in the fertility of democracy and better governance.

       Mohamed Khaled also hoped that the big step initiated by the Prime Minister would be followed with various actions that would be more inclusive from both parties.

       "Malaysia belongs to everyone and all parties must agree,” he said.

       Earlier, Ismail Sabri and Pakatan had come to a consensus towards working with each other in the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Following an hour-long meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, a joint statement, signed by Ismail Sabri, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, was issued.

       “The meeting focused on the people’s agenda to find a common ground in addressing the Covid-19 crisis, saving lives and helping the people affected by unemployment and income loss.

       “A consensus was also reached to strengthen the function of Parliament as a responsible and constructive institution, to serve as a check and balance on the executive so that it is more transparent and can meet the needs of the people.

       “We also agreed on the importance of judicial independence, institutional reforms and good governance to ensure a more conducive situation for the people and the nation in the context of Keluarga Malaysia,” it said.