Umno Youth calls for political ceasefire, focus on national reconciliation instead

Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. -filepic

PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth has called for a political ceasefire amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and for politicians to focus their efforts on national reconciliation instead.

Its chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that the current Covid-19 situation was troubling as cases continue to increase while the economy is shrinking, which has directly affected the livelihood of the people.

"It's the right time for politicians, despite their political parties, to hold a political ceasefire in order to think of the best solutions for the welfare of the people.

"Maybe this is the best time for all parties to set aside their differences and give focus to the Agenda Perdamaian National (National Reconciliation agenda)," he said in a Facebook post on Monday (Oct 19).

The call was made in the wake of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong last Tuesday (Oct 13), claiming he had the “formidable and convincing” support of lawmakers to form a new government, although he did not provide the names to verify his claim.

Umno, PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) are set to meet later Monday (Oct 19) to discuss their cooperation under the Muafakat Nasional pact, while the Umno supreme council is expected to meet tomorrow (Oct 20) to talk about the party's cooperation with Perikatan Nasional.

Asyraf said that “National Reconciliation” does not mean that each party has to disregard its political identities or its own party struggles.

"Instead, the National Reconciliation will allow political parties to temporarily suspend any dispute in terms of a power struggle," he said.

He added that efforts and resources should be mobilised together to come up with the best formula to help the rakyat who are suffering from the impact of the Covid-19.

He said that the National Reconciliation agenda was also a form of manifestation to show the sincerity of each party leadership towards the real struggle to help the rakyat and not focused on any form of power struggle.

"There is a need for political will, commitment and sincerity to ensure the mutual success of the agenda.

"Don't let us be punished by the rakyat who are sick and tired of the attitude of politicians who continue to fight over political issues of power endlessly," he said.