Reports by RASHVINJEET S. BEDI, RAHIMY RAHIM, MUGUNTAN VANAR and JUNAID IBRAHIM

       PETALING JAYA: Asking for everyone to work as one “Malaysian Family”, the Prime Minister has offered the Opposition a chance to join in the recovery of the nation and fight the Covid-19 pandemic together.

       In his first national address since appointed to his post yesterday, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the country’s recent political turmoil had been distressing to the public.

       He said since the 14th General Election and with only 21 months until the next national polls, the country had gone through two governments and two prime ministers.

       “Thus, let us move forward. We must stamp out this grab for political power.

       “Let us as one big family comprising civil servants, workers from the private sector and those self-employed – in repairing, healing and recovering our nation.

       “Therefore, I want to offer the Opposition to be part of the National Recovery Council and the Special Committee on Covid-19,” said Ismail Sabri, adding that it was imperative for political stability to be swiftly achieved through togetherness.

       “... and this includes cross-party cooperation,” he said in his speech.

       Ismail Sabri was appointed as the country’s ninth Prime Minister after securing majority support of 114 MPs after his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down last Monday.

       Ismail Sabri said during the King’s meeting with heads of political parties, His Majesty had decreed for all of them to bury their differences for the sake of the people’s prosperity and welfare.

       “All parties should work as a team to preserve the harmony in the country. In other words, we must embrace the spirit of togetherness,” he said.

       He said he hoped that all MPs – whether within or outside of the government – would work together for the nation’s recovery.

       “Let us open our minds and hearts to forget our differences by working together.

       “We need to find a common ground and move towards building a consensus for the security and safety of our family, the Malaysian Family.

       “I adapt the concept of Malaysian Family as this phrase is inclusive in nature,” he said.

       Ismail Sabri said that together with the government, he would ensure an administrative team that would serve to help the country recover from both the economic and health crisis.

       “I pledge to do my best so that the trust placed in my team and I is not misplaced.

       “This aspiration can only be attained with the cooperation of all civil servants who are the backbone of our national administration.

       “Let us work together as one big Malaysian Family to restore Malaysia back to her level of prosperity that we were once accustomed to.

       “I solemnly pledge to work with the people,” he said.