Anwar: Zahid's response to national consensus positive

KUALA LUMPUR:  Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) described as positive Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s response to national consensus on critical issues facing the nation. 

Anwar said on Monday that this was the first positive response from a senior Umno leader to his call for a consensus between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan on such issues.  

He said that PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution would be responding to Dr Ahmad Zaid, who had stated that Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders should take up Anwar's call for a national consensus to address issues affecting religion and harmony in the country. 

Dr Ahmad Zahid had described Anwar’s offer of ‘olive branch’ as a proactive move and should be considered.

Anwar dismissed talk that his call for consensus was an indication of a unity government. 

"No, no relevance to unity government. I spelt out the issues. We need a consensus of fundamental issues that concern the nation; race, religion, corruption and economy," he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur High Court here. 

When asked about a unity government, Saifuddin just laughed off the suggestion. 

"I meet Zahid and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (Umno vice-presidents) all the time. 

"They are all my friends and we remain friends until now. There's no problem," he said after attending Anwar's court case. 

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