Najib tries unity gambit, again

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 – Datuk Seri Najib Razak appeared to play the religious and race card today when he appealed to PAS to reconsider the proposal for a unity government with Umno.

The Umno president also dismissed the notion that a unity government would fly in the face of his 1 Malaysia concept, even though a number of non-Muslim groups, including political parties in his Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, have expressed concern.

But he appealed to PAS to act in the name of Malay and Muslim unity.

“PAS should not let politics prevent it from doing something which is beneficial for Malay/Muslim unity,” he told reporters at a public function today when asked to comment on how many Malay groups had been disappointed with PAS for rejecting a unity government with Umno.

On Monday, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders rejected Umno's unity government proposal, and proclaimed all issues surrounding the fiasco which brought the fledgling opposition coalition on the brink of collapse resolved.

Instead, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the de facto PKR leader, said the alliance of PAS, PKR and DAP would focus on their preparation for the next general election and a potential takeover of the federal government.

PAS continues to be in turmoil over the unity government proposal which not only affected ties with its political partners but has caused friction in the party as well.

Sensing the weakness in the opposition alliance, Umno has moved in an attempt to cause further division in PAS and in PR by pressing ahead with the concept of Malay and Muslim unity.

Today, Najib said that any move to strengthen Islam should be encouraged, in what was an obvious move to appeal to the concept of Islamic brotherhood within PAS.

The prime minister believed, however, that the country’s multi-racial nature would not be affected by a more united Malay-Muslim community.

“Just because there is a unity government does not mean the non-Muslims will be neglected. They will still have a role.”

 

Comments (55)Add Comment

Write comment

busy
 

Latest Comments

Petronas staff bid Hassan Marican fond f...
Terima Kaseh Tan Sri........a Tun will be more appropriate.
Did the Federal Court contradict itself ...
Judgement had been made, so why cry foul or over the spilt milk. The Judges are ...
Accept court’s verdict and move on, Na...
don't worry,we will teach These RASCALS a lesson when our time comes.the evils a...
Accept court’s verdict and move on, Na...
PR supporters will protest peacefully the ruling however controversial, unlike U...
What next for Perak?
Paaa saya ini bukan siapa yang menang. Ini adalah prinsip. Sekiranya rakat dikhi...
MB Perak: Rakyat boleh protes dengan cet...
TGNA jangan hasut rakyat membenci kerajaan! Biar rakyat sendiri yang tentukan,...
What next for Perak?
The gains made by Zambry on the Malay voters will be only temporary. Remember, ...

Sponsored Links