KUCHING: Malaysians should unite to fight the Covid-19 pandemic instead of quarrelling over political or personal interests, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Chief Minister said Covid-19 was the "common enemy" which must be given full attention to be curbed.

       "This is not the time for us to be fighting among ourselves. Politics should be a means to bring us closer as Malaysians of all races and religions," he said in a National Day message on Monday (Aug 30).

       Abang Johari said the ruling state coalition - Gabungan Parti Sarawak - wanted to see political stability at the Federal level so that the war against Covid-19 could be intensified and the economy revived.

       He said the people would suffer if the pandemic was not contained while the economy continued to plummet.

       "The recent political crisis complicated the situation as the federal leadership was faced with uncertainties over the validity of the Prime Minister's position.

       "I hope the solution which was reached in accordance with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's wisdom in appointing a new Prime Minister will lead to stability so that our efforts can be concentrated on combating Covid-19," he said.

       On behalf of the state government, Abang Johari thanked all frontliners for their hard work in curbing the spread of the disease.

       "They are our heroes whose sacrifice we cannot repay although the state government has provided some assistance through the Sarawakku Sayang special aid packages.

       "Only God knows how much they have done to protect our wellbeing," he said.

       Abang Johari also thanked Sarawakians for supporting and expediting the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

       Due to public cooperation, he said, over 85% of Sarawak's adult population had already been fully vaccinated.