KOTA KINABALU: The new Cabinet must be lean and must focus on tackling the pandemic and the economy through a bi-partisan approach, says Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Said Keruak.

       The former Umno treasurer noted it was clear the King wanted the Prime Minister to resolve the pressing issues facing the country through consultation and bi-partisan approaches.

       Speaking during a live chat entitled “Umno: Time to Reform,” hosted by Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Salleh said he disagreed with views that the current administration would govern for two or three years.

       "Once the Cabinet completes its duty and if the situation permits, the mandate should be returned to the people in a general election," he said.

       Salleh, who is currently Usukan assemblyman, said ideally there should be a 15member Cabinet for key and important portfolios.

       "It should be a crisis cabinet," said Salleh, referring to the previous cabinet of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin which had 70 ministers and deputies.

       Salleh, a former federal minister and Sabah chief minister, noted this was not the time for politicians to make demands including issues like the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

       Salleh said Malaysians were fed up with the politicking and more concerned about their health as well as jobs.

       He also hoped all MPs would look at Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's administration at a crisis management government and not look at toppling it.

       "Leave politics for the next election," he said, adding that fresh elections could be held within the next three or six months.