All for one common goal: (From left) Dr Wee, Saravanan, Wan Junaidi and Ongkili pledge to give full cooperation to the new PM

       Reports by NELSON BENJAMIN, WANI MUTHIAH, SHARON LING, ALLISON LAI, STEPHANIE LEE, R. SEKARAN, RSN MURALI and N. TRISHA

       PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong expressed his hope for Malaysia to continue combating the Covid-19 pandemic following the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

       The MCA president congratulated Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on his appointment as the ninth Prime Minister in a Facebook post.

       “Hopefully, with this appointment, Malaysia will be able to continue its efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic for the benefit and security of the people and the well-being of the country as expressed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

       MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan expressed confidence that Ismail Sabri will continue to steer the country out from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “May Datuk Seri’s leadership also open a new chapter in the political arena,” he said, in extending his congratulations to the new Prime Minister.

       A Gabungan Parti Sarawak lawmaker meanwhile hoped the parties that had pledged their support for Ismail Sabri will stand united in helping him address the issues at hand.

       Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said they also should not make too many demands for appointments in the new Cabinet.

       “All political parties should give their full cooperation to Ismail Sabri as Malaysia continues to face the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “The post comes with the heavy responsibility of resolving Covid-19 issues and everyone should close ranks and work towards the common goal of recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

       “Let’s set aside all of our political differences and work together for the betterment of the country and its people,” he said.

       Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) said Ismail Sabri is the perfect choice to fill the unexpected leadership vacuum following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation.

       PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said they look forward to working with the new Prime Minister, especially on the development and security needs of Sabah.

       “PBS is also looking forward to resolving outstanding matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 for Sabah and Sarawak as well.

       “Ismail Sabri has always spoken up on the need for compliance with the MA63, as well as always supporting the development needs and demands of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said, adding that as Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri will take on the task of chairmanship of the MA63 Special Council.

       Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said they were confident that Ismail Sabri would carry on the good work of his predecessor due to his extensive experience in the federal administration.

       He said the party was also hopeful that the new federal administration will continue to collaborate with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government in Sabah, including restoring its rights as per MA63.

       “This is an issue of great importance for us.

       “After weeks of political uncertainty, I hope that the question of who has the majority will be put to rest and that all political parties will finally be able to work together as we continue our battle against Covid-19,” he said.