PM: Govt open to talking to all parties on national unity
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 30: The Government is open to talking to all parties on issues effecting national unity, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Parliament, said the Prime Minister, could also be used where a bi-partisan committee could be set-up to discuss the issues.
As for the national reconciliation plan, he said it would be based on four key thrusts namely social, political, government and international relations and going forward.
The plan to develop and promote an environment that would be conducive to and promote national reconciliation through unity and consensus was discussed at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
Najib said he mooted the idea of a national reconciliation plan after the general election but the Opposition was not interested in his appeals to come together.
They even questioned the legitimacy of the election and it was proven to be baseless, he said.
“I am now heartened to see that the Opposition is calling for a consensus and I am sure that they will welcome this new development.
“Unlike vague ideas about a consensus, the Government’s national reconciliation plan will be based on the four key thrusts,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday that there was a need for a national consensus to address issues affecting religious and racial harmony.
Najib added that the plan was based on democratic principles and the Government would continue to defend the freedom to voice one’s views but it must also be tempered with responsibility.
“In order for all this to succeed, we must all commit to avoid spreading lies and slander, finally putting to rest the politics of hate.
Najib, however, made it clear that the plan did not include forming any form of unity government.
“We were given a strong mandate by the people to govern at the last general election and we intend to do so. However, we must look at becoming more inclusive in out activities and events,” he said.
Najib said there was also a need to go back to the grassroots and re-engage the people to build their commitment to the Government’s vision of a peaceful, successful and harmonious Malaysia.
“We must also get our youths involved in these initiatives. We must work towards a Social Unity Model that will ensure unity remains a common objective in the activities of the next generation,” he said.
source: The Star
