Malay NGOs urged to make stand on unity

(Bernama) — Malay non-governmental organisations (NGO) should make their stand whether to support or oppose the proposal that Umno and PAS discuss Malay unity.

Kelantan Umno liaison deputy chairman Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein said this should also be done by ulamas, professionals, universities and associations.

They could make their stand via resolutions at forums and conventions so that leaders from the two parties could consider them.

Awang Adek who is also Umno supreme council member said this was necessary as only a handful of Malay NGOs were bold enough to make their stand.

“Malay unity and future of the race must not be left solely in the hands of party leaders,” the Finance Deputy Minister said at a meeting with Umno veterans here today.

In Butterworth, Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said Umno-PAS unity would not only benefit the Malays but also the other races.

“Fighting among the Malays will create disunity. It will not benefit anyone and will only stunt the economy.

“The Malays have to stop fighting and be united to focus on the economy for the benefit of the people and country,” he said after launching Bagan Umno ‘Juara Rakyat’ programme here today.

Ahmad said Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties did not object to Umno-PAS unity talks as it would help strengthen the party.

“Only Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP are against Malay unity as they fear that Umno and PAS will become united,” the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department added.