Tuesday May 7, 2013

GE13: Umno man wants peace talks with PAS

KOTA BARU: An Umno leader has called on the party to initiate goodwill talks with PAS in efforts for national reconciliation.

It was time for both PAS and Umno to consider working towards fostering goodwill among the Malays, said state Umno secretary Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad.

“It can be at a level comfortable to both sides, a right step in reclaiming unity among the ummah (congregation),” he said.

Umno and PAS were part of Barisan Nasional before the latter withdrew from the coalition in 1978.

Alwi said it was important to consider moves for national reconciliation, an issue raised by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak immediately after official results emerged that Barisan had crossed the 112 mark to form the Government with a simple majority.

“Everyone knows the importance of national unity and strong ethnic ties in a multi-racial nation like Malaysia,” Alwi said.

Umno could start by reminding PAS about the importance of unity, he said.

His views were echoed by Kelantan ulama Rujhan Abdul Rahman, who said any plan which brought a positive impact on Islam was lauded.

“There is no denying the decades of split between Umno and PAS has caused many Muslims here to be disunited,” he added.

Kelantan-based Gerakan Youth vice-chairman Ong Khang Woon said it was the objective of the party to do away with race-based parties.

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