KUALA LUMPUR: Umno and Barisan Nasional are comfortable working with all component parties in the Unity Government, as they share common objectives, particularly in serving the interests of the people, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said the ease of cooperation that has emerged does not indicate complacency, but is instead the result of a strong understanding among parties in the government to ensure the people are not burdened by political polemics.
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"The people must not be troubled by prolonged polemics and differences in stance or views,” the Deputy Prime Minister said in a special interview held in conjunction with Umno's 80th anniversary recently.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the BN chairman, said that in the interest of the people, all parties in the Unity Government have agreed to set aside differences and political considerations to eUmno to assess role of returning leaders, GE16 candidate potential, says Ahmad Zahidnsure the effective implementation of every agenda outlined in the 15th General Election (GE15) manifesto.
He said the government gave priority to common ground in the manifestos of parties contesting GE15, particularly on issues related to the cost of living, education and unemployment.
"On matters concerning education and unemployment, there is no disagreement between the competing parties,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister.
He also said that 47% of the manifestos of parties in the Unity Government had common elements, thereby forming a strong foundation for existing cooperation.
"Why should we be concerned about differences when we share the same goal?
"In addition, there are detailed issues that we must address. That is why we have the Inter-Party Consultative Council, to resolve differences and ensure the manifesto is implemented with a clear purpose,” he said.
In the meantime, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that all component parties in the Unity Government, including DAP, uphold the four main pillars enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
"This is evident in the comfort that has developed and the strong respect shown towards the agreement to form the Unity Government, which is founded on four main pillars, namely Islam, the Malay Rulers, the Malay language and the special rights of the Malays.
"They not only respect it but also acknowledge that this is a fact enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.
The Unity Government was formed after GE15 in 2022, when no coalition secured a simple majority, and is led by Pakatan Harapan together with BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Warisan, as well as supported by several other parties and independent Members of Parliament. — Bernama
