Muhyiddin: 'New norm' has dawned on political scene too

- Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: The new normal in Malaysia caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a new norm in politics, where leaders must set aside their differences and cooperate for the greater good, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Speaking during a gathering with Sabah community leaders attended by Perikatan Nasional partners, he said it was vital that the coalition shows a united front when facing the coming state polls.

"I want to say to the political leadership present – we must show the people we stand as one and work as a team to bring progress to Sabah.

"Regardless if we are from Bersatu, Umno, Sabah Star, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), MCA, PAS, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)... It does not matter where we come from because we are all Malaysians.

"Under this new norm, there should also be a new norm in politics for us to sit down for the interest of the people," he said in the event on Saturday (Aug 29) night.

Present were Sabah Bersatu chief Datuk Hajiji Noor, Sabah Umno liaison chief Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, Star Sabah president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, PBS deputy president Datuk Radin Malleh, PBRS deputy president Arthur Kurup, Sabah PAS chief Mohd Aminuddin Aling, Sabah MCA chairman Lu Yen Tung and SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee.

Former chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman also attended the event.

Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, said the Covid-19 experience shows that doing things the old way is no longer applicable.

He also said that parties must be brave and coming together in politics, in reference to Sabah political parties with differing stands coming together under the Perikatan pact for the state polls.

He said the goal is to ensure Sabah returns to the right track to ensure its socio-economic development.

"This is about your future, Sabah has grown in these many years but it has not grown enough.

"I know there are problems with unfinished infrastructure – for example roads that are still not tarred and poor Internet connectivity in rural areas," he said.

Muhyiddin also mentioned 18-year old student Veveonah Mosibin, who had to climb a tree to get better Internet connection in Pitas, stating this was a reflection of the state government's lack of efforts.

"Sabah is more than my second home and what happens in this state is important to aid the development process in the country.

"I promise we will speed up the connectivity in Sabah," he said.