Pakatan parties should make stand on Malay unity public, says Hishamuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan coalition parties must make a public stand on the call by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Malay political parties should join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

"On the issue of Malay unity, it is important for all parties within Pakatan to take a public stand.

"We will wait for PKR and DAP to make their own stand. I would like to remind all parties that we should not be seen as arrogant, don't be boastful, don't be big headed as the public is looking at us," said former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

On Friday (July 5), Dr Mahathir made a call for Umno members to join Bersatu since political division among the Malays was growing.

Hishammuddin, who is also the Sembrong MP, said that any efforts for Malay unity must take into consideration the multi-racial composition of the country.

"In discussing Malay unity and ummah, it is important to remember that we are a multi-racial and multi-religious country.

"If we want chart the way forward, we must take all this into consideration," he added.

He said the public was tired of all the politics from both sides of the divide and leaders should instead prioritise the interests of the people and the economy.

"If it (Malay unity) can reduce politicking, Alhamdullilah. But if it will make things worse, who is going to take care of the economy, welfare of the people and the safety of the country?

"Because, at the end of the day, the interests of the public and country are at stake.

"So any efforts to unite and go forward must take all of that into account," he said.