PM hopes cooperation with Opposition will better address Covid-19

KUALA LUMPUR: The Covid-19 pandemic has not only united Malaysians from all walks of life, but also opened up opportunities for transformations to be carried out in politics, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Prime Minister said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the government and the Opposition on Sept 13 was a historical moment and he hoped the cooperation will lead to stronger efforts in addressing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"For the first-time, the government and Pakatan Harapan signed the MoU for Political Transformation and Stability.

"This is a result of an inclusive government policy. My hope is that this agreement will allow us to focus on all efforts in fighting Covid-19 and to place the country in a stronger recovery position," he said when tabling the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) in Parliament on Monday (Sept 27).

Ismail Sabri said the 12MP was drafted after taking into account changes in the global and domestic economic landscape.

Referring to the objectives of the "Keluarga Malaysia" theme that emphasises on prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability, Ismail Sabri said the 12MP has laid out a comprehensive and strategic plan to ensure Malaysia achieves a high-income and high technology nation by 2025.

"The government will do its best to improve national harmony and ensure that no one is left behind," he added

Ismail Sabri also called on Malaysians from all walks of life to set aside their differences and work together towards a future-proof and competent country.

"Let us realise the goals of 12MP. We must uphold the principles of cooperation with the people for Keluarga Malaysia.

"I'm confident that in this five-year roadmap, Malaysia will rise again."

Earlier in his speech, Ismail Sabri also said RM400bil has been set aside for ongoing and new projects under 12MP.

The 12MP - the nation's five-year recovery roadmap themed "A Prosperous, Inclusive, Sustainable Malaysia" - aims to steer the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic and put the economy back on track.