An MP hailed the meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and three opposition leaders yesterday as a significant step in creating a new political landscape for the country.
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, who is Indera Mahkota MP, said the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya reminded him of his book ‘Politik Baru: Mematangkan Demokrasi Malaysia’, which was published in 2006.
“In the book, I had outlined two important elements. First, it is important to ditch the old political traits – the negativity, slander, and the constant flattery of politicians to curry favour,” said Saifuddin, a Parti Bersatu Pribumi Malaysia leader.
“Instead, we need to embrace ‘new politics’, which is cleaner, fresher and more elevated.”
Saifuddin said the second element in the book was to bring our politics to a new level and to set aside differences in political opinions that are too adversarial.
“In the past, your political adversary became a sworn enemy. I had suggested a new structure of governance based on discussion, especially among government, businesses, and civil societies.
“In this context, the meeting organised by the prime minister yesterday was significant.”
Ismail Sabri had “obtained” the conditional support of opposition leaders in his bid to run the government – the caveat being that he initiated programmes that would benefit the people.
The meeting was attended by PKR’s Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
The pledge by the opposition leaders is something Ismail Sabri would have to hold on to as he faces another uphill task – finalising his Cabinet that will assist him in combating Covid-19, improve the nation’s economy and prepare Malaysia for the much-anticipated 15th General Election.
