Opposition will serve as effective check and balance against new government, says Saifuddin

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. - Filepic/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The Opposition bloc will play its part effectively and constructively to check and balance the new government, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

"I hope that the new administration can focus on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic whole-heartedly now," said the Kulim Bandar-Baharu MP, who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general.

Earlier Friday (Aug 20), the King named Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the ninth Prime Minister.

Saifuddin thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for carrying out his duties impeccably in appointing the new Prime Minister to lead the country.

"His Majesty conducted the process according to the Constitution and we thank him.

"It is still too early to gauge what the new Prime Minister will do or what his policies are.”

Meanwhile, Bukit Gelugor MP Ram Karpal Singh said the more important thing now was to focus on the pandemic.

"Covid-19 is top priority, I think all parties should consolidate and focus our attention and work on managing the situation, and minimising the number of positive cases and deaths.

"As far as I am concerned, politics wise, this quagmire has taken a toll on the people and it is time that we move forward. Make fighting Covid-19 our priority now," said the DAP lawmaker.