Zahid: BN should take up Anwar’s olive branch offer

PUTRAJAYA: Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders should take up Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for a national consensus to address issues affecting religion and harmony in the country. 

Umno vice president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi the call from the PKR adviser was a proactive move and should be considered.

"This (such call) has never happened before.   This shows their openness and it should be taken up by leaders in Umno and BN,” said  Ahmad Zahid here on Monday.

Ahmad Zahid who is also Home Minister said it was up to the Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Razak to decide whether to take up the offer.

In making the call on Sunday, Anwar said such a national consensus should not just cover one or two specific issues, such as the use of the kalimah Allah and the seizure of Bibles, but also other issues leading to religious and racial discord.