PETALING JAYA: PAS agrees with the cross-party cooperation approach under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, says its secretary-general.

       Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the approach which was mooted by the government over the past few months was a mature one prioritising the country's interests and the well-being of the people without taking into account any differences.

       “The steps taken are in line with the current political reality in the context of the administration of countries around the world where there is no dominance of a single political party after a general election is held.

       “PAS welcomes the Opposition leaders’ response about the recovery efforts carried out by the federal government that also provides space for all parties to contribute ideas and thoughts in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on our economy and society,” he said in a statement Thursday (Aug 26).

       Takiyuddin also said PAS was confident that the government would continue to interact and create more constructive cooperation involving all stakeholders, including the Opposition, towards reform measures covering all sectors, institutions and segments of society.

       “We hope this will be a good start for a new political landscape in the country that emphasises the well-being, harmony and justice for all citizens,” he added.

       On Wednesday (Aug 25) evening, Ismail Sabri and Pakatan Harapan leaders issued a joint statement, saying that a consensus had 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.