Mohamed Khaled Nordin added that the negative perception against the government must also change.

“Both sides are important players in a healthy democracy and are needed for better governance,” he said in a statement.

The country’s politics, the former federal minister said, must not remain in the old ways and there was a need to shift to a more open and progressive democracy.

He went on to express hope that the “huge step” taken by the prime minister would be followed by comprehensive action by both sides.

“Malaysia belongs to everyone and we need to unite for her.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob met with the leaders of the opposition coalition, for the first time since his appointment.

Ismail and PH reached a consensus to strengthen the function of Parliament as a check and balance on the executive.

In a rare joint statement signed by Ismail and the three leaders – namely opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu – they said they agreed on and understood the importance of the independence of the judiciary, institutional reforms and good governance.