PETALING JAYA: All parties, especially the Prime Minister himself, should be lauded over the unprecedented consensus achieved by the government and the Opposition to unite and cooperate against the Covid-19 pandemic, says Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan (pic).

       Shahril said while the consensus is an early testament of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's ability to gain an understanding with Pakatan Harapan, he added that credit should be given to Opposition leaders who are heeding calls by Istana Negara to set aside politics.

       "This joint statement indicates that all parties beginning from the Prime Minister himself understand that it's important for the country and its economy that the political turmoil not be extended any further."

       Shahril expressed optimism over the joint statement by Ismail Sabri and the Opposition, as he hoped that this would usher in a new period of political stability.

       "I also hope this ushers in a period of cooperation which facilitates the kind of bold policy interventions required.

       "If so, it augurs well for investors and the people."

       On Wednesday (Aug 25) evening, Ismail Sabri and Pakatan issued a joint statement, saying that a consensus has been achieved to strengthen Parliament, and to cooperate in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.

       The rare joint statement came following an hour-long meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Perdana Putra in Putrajaya on Wednesday afternoon.

       On Sunday (Aug 22), in Ismail Sabri's maiden speech as Prime Minister, he offered the Opposition the chance to be a part of the National Recovery Council (NRC) and the Special Committee on Covid-19, as he stressed the need to stamp out politicking.

       Ismail Sabri said he understood the recent political turmoil has caused public distress and stressed the importance of achieving political stability through the theme of togetherness and this includes cross-party cooperation.

       Ismail Sabri was appointed Prime Minister after the Bera MP secured the support of 114 MPs following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's resignation as premier on Aug 16.

       The ninth Prime Minister has pledged to build an administrative team that will aid the country in recovering from both the economic and public health crises caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.