Party leaders laud Barisan’s decision

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s spirit of consensus prevails at a time when views among them differ.

And this is what makes the coalition strong and united, say component party leaders.

MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Barisan made a good decision.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement. Barisan still sticks to the spirit of consensus,” he added.

Liow emphasised that MCA’s position was still firm and that was to strongly oppose the Private Member’s Bill to enhance the Syariah Courts’ punishments.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong concurred, saying it was a good decision by the Barisan supreme council.

“This is Barisan’s consensus and we can now move forward and focus on the general election,” he said.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said what was important was Barisan’s commitment to work together as a strong team.

Asked if the general election would be held soon, he said the decision was up to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The Prime Minister will know when is the right time,” he said.

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam described the meeting as productive and that all component parties were able to express their views on the issue.

“We discussed the impact of the Bill too,” he said.

“We heard all the views and Barisan decided against tabling it.”

Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong welcomed the news, saying that “it was a very good decision by the PM.”

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) acting president and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg declined to comment.

“Just get the Prime Minister’s statement. His statement is the statement from us,” he said.

MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas said the party did not get involved in the discussion.

“We have 30% Muslim members and for the non-Muslims, it doesn’t affect them, so we just go with the flow,” he added.