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“Unity govt to fulfil demands of religion”

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Nov 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Umno’s willingness to cooperate with PAS on the idea of a unity government was to fulfill the demands of religion, and not for political mileage.

“Our stand is clear; so long as it is for the good, we are willing to hold talks. It does [not] mean that we will be bound by any agreement.

“Umno is not doing it for political mileage but to meet the demands of religion,” he said today.

Najib spoke to reporters after opening the 2009 National Farmers’ Market Convention and launching the Farmers’ Market Caravan at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

The prime minister was asked to comment on the statement by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang last week that the party would no longer pursue the idea of a unity government with Umno.

Abdul Hadi had also said that the proposal for a unity government was made when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was the prime minister.

On Abdul Hadi’s comment that he did not know how the present Umno leaders would react to the unity government proposal, Najib said Umno’s stand was clear in that it was willing to have talks with PAS if it was beneficial.

“I do not know of the PAS stand. You have to ask them (PAS leaders),” he said. — Bernama

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  2. Maya says

    Islam requires Muslims to stay united, he’s right about that, but how is the unity government thingy going to be possible when they can’t see eye to eye about VERY essential core issues? I mean, it’s “say yes to hudud” at one side, and “no hudud allowed” the other. Unless they get themselves to sit down and settle these issues, it’s better for them to kiss goodbye to this whole idea of forming a unity government or whatever they choose to name it.

  3. Ellese A says

    Dear Maya,

    Following your argument, the PR should never exist as well. The DAP is against any form of an Islamic state. PAS is wholly the opposite. To borrow your words, they might as well kiss goodbye to the PR then.

  4. Ellese A says

    Dear Ida,

    The non-Malays were united for the Malaysian agenda in [the March 2008 general election]. The Muslims and Malays should unite for the Islamic agenda.