by Theleaders-Online | July 8, 2019 7:47 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno should not be dismissive of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s call for Malay political parties to unite, said Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament, Hishammuddin said that no one should miss the opportunity of having a political cooperation if it can unite the community.
“We must not be arrogant because the people are watching us. Not only in Umno and PAS, but also those who had offered us the cooperation.
“The invitation was made to the party, so the party must make a stand.
“I was informed that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will be meeting later today. So, I will wait and see what PKR and DAP has to say about it,” said the former Umno vice president.
Last week, Mahathir urged Malay-based political parties join his political outfit, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) in a bid to unite the Malay community.
Mahathir, who is PPBM chairperson, bemoaned that with more Malay political parties mushrooming, the community will be fragmented and it would be hard for them to win elections.
Former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has urged his party to not to take Mahathir’s invite lightly due to his stature as a statesman.[1]
However, Umno vice president Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin rejected Mahathir’s offer, saying the party will find its own ways to develop Malaysia, the Malays and Islam.
Hishammuddin, who is a former defence minister, said that any move to reduce politicking among Malaysians should be welcomed as it would be in best interest of the nation.
“If things get worse, who will look after the economy and the people’s welfare?
“At the end of the day, it’s the interest of the public and the country are at stake. So, any effort to unite and move forward must take that into account. Enough of politicking,” he said.
On related matter, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declined to comment on Mahathir’s invitation and said the prime minister should be given a chance to explain himself.
“I think we should give Mahathir the avenue and opportunity to explain to the Pakatan leadership council.
“We haven’t even heard from him. I’m just saying in the spirit of Pakatan coalition, I think he probably would inform us accordingly,” he said.
The Pakatan leadership council is scheduled to meet at 4pm today.
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