KUALA LUMPUR: The government is prepared to listen to and consider some of the demands made by the Malay Dignity Congress on Sunday (Oct 6), says Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
“As mentioned by the Prime Minister, these are the sentiments and feelings of the Malay community.
“As a responsible government, we will listen to all Malaysians.
“The Prime Minister and ministers have dialogues and meetings with all groups.
“In that context, the feelings of the Malay community was translated into the form of document that had been submitted to the Prime Minister.
“We will listen and see what the demands are, and some of them can and will be considered, ” Azmin told the media at the Parliament lobby on Monday (Oct 7).
The Malay Dignity Congress, which was attended by prominent leaders from both sides of the political divide, had demands across five general areas.
The five general areas were separated into religion, politics, the economy, education, and culture.
Among the resolutions proposed by Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari at the gathering under the religion cluster were calls for top government positions to be held only by Malay-Muslims.
The PAS Youth vice-chief said that these are positions such as the Chief Justice, Attorney General and Chief Secretary to the Government.
He also said that key positions in the government, such as the prime minister, deputy prime minister, mentris besar, chief ministers, as well as the finance, education, defence and home ministries, should be headed by Malay-Muslims.
Asked if he agreed with the demands to close down vernacular schools, Azmin said those were among the many issues, adding that “the media should not harp on the issue alone”.
“Let the government study the proposals and issues raised by the group and we will respond to that, ” he added.
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