Muhyiddin moots presidential council comprising PN, BN, GPS and GRS leaders

(FMT) – PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin has proposed the setting up of a presidential council comprising leaders of parties which are part of the Perikatan Nasional-led federal government.

In his speech at at the third PPBM annual general assembly today, Muhyiddin said this would involve the leaders of Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak.

“In these meetings, we can discuss policies and economic, social and education issues.

“This is important because not all party leaders are in the Cabinet,” he said, adding that through the meetings, party leaders could give their views for the Cabinet to take into consideration when making a decision.

The prime minister also spoke on his recent “heart-to-heart” talk with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in which they agreed on the need to improve ties between Umno and PPBM.

“We must work towards this from the top to the grassroots. I know this is not easy but I am certain this is the best way forward.”

Elaborating on PPBM and Umno ties, Muhyiddin said some were of the view that their relations were not good and lacked chemistry.

He said there was a history between the two parties, with many in PPBM, including himself, formerly being part of Umno.

“I don’t want to speak about the past but history will show Umno and PPBM were rivals. Perhaps the wounds have not healed and the scars are still there.

“But as fate would have it, God has brought Umno and PPBM together. This is God’s work,” he said, referring to the two parties coming together with PAS and other allies to form the Perikatan Nasional-led government earlier this year.

“I understand there are some who are uneasy with this situation, as if they are forced to cooperate and, because of this, we hear things which are not good about our ties.”

Muhyiddin said he believed this was a test from God and that the political crisis had brought Malay leaders together.

He said it would be good if all Malay and Muslim leaders in this country united as one instead of being divided into their respective camps which weakened them.

“If we only think of our own camp’s importance, our own group or party, we will forever remain divided.

“Malay unity will always remain an elusive dream. It will never materialise in our lifetime.”