UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his congratulations to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who had recently attended a meeting to sign a “Malay Proclamation”, a document which urged Malays to unite to “save” their race.
“I would like to congratulate the meeting between Hadi Awang and Mahathir. I give this speech because we know that Tun Mahathir is a new liability in domestic politics,” the deputy prime minister was reported as saying to reporters after hosting the Sabah UMNO Aidilfitri open house today (May 4).
“If this meeting is purportedly aimed at the unity and unification of the Malay people, it should be known that although UMNO is a large Malay and Bumiputera party. And we feel that this unity government has a greater meaning for our country.
“We feel that ethnic issues are a fundamental issue (that include) the Malaysian race. The unity and Madani government were formed, and therefore, should be supported.
“What’s important is the diversity of the people in this country. We must put aside political differences, let alone ethnic differences, for the country’s sake.”
Earlier today Hadi had taken to Facebook to say that despite Dr Mahathir’s many past wrongs against PAS, there are many common grounds that must be considered to “unite and fulfil shared duties in Islam”.
In the social media posting, Hadi had also described the 97-year-old politician as a statesman with great experience, having been involved in politics since before independence and serving as prime minister twice.
Meanwhile, Zahid noted that the inclusivity of the national unity government has only become more relevant with the launch of the “Malay Proclamation” which focused on the interests of a single race.
Commenting on PAS signing Dr Mahathir’s “Malay Proclamation”, Zahid said the multiracial and multicultural nature of the unity government has a greater significance to Malaysia.
“The question of ethnicity may come from the grassroots, but the Malaysian race is big. The unity government that is formed by four dominant forces is driven by us all and should be given priority,” he pointed out.
“What’s important is the unity of the people in the country under this united government. We should put aside political differences, what more ethnic differences for the country.”
On allegation that certain UMNO leaders were involved in the “Malay Proclamation”, Zahid said this will be investigated.
“Let’s see what are the hidden agendas in the proclamation. The political bureau will examine this and discuss this and bring it up to the Supreme Council,” he stressed. – May 4, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
