Malay unity a must for broader national consensus, says Bersatu man
PETALING JAYA : A Bersatu leader has defended the party's support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposed 'Malay umbrella', denying claims that it contradicts its shift towards a more moderate and centrist political position.
Bersatu Supreme Council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal argued that supporting the latest initiative to unite the Malays complemented, rather than contradicted, the party's efforts to reach out to non-Malays.
The Machang MP said the two are not mutually exclusive but key building blocks in establishing long-lasting multiracial cooperation. 'In fact, Malay unity is a prerequisite for building a broader national consensus,' he told FMT.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
Wan Fayhsal rejected suggestions that Perikatan Nasional was veering towards far-right or chauvinistic politics, saying its approach was anchored in the higher objectives of Islam, namely to preserve harmony and peace among all races.
'We're not launching a far-right or ultra-nationalist movement. We simply want Malays to be aware of long-term issues that will affect them if we remain disunited,' he said. Any political party aspiring to govern the country must have the support of the Malay electorate, whose electoral participation and political awareness are still lacking, he added.
PN's main components of PAS and Bersatu have already obtained a big chunk of Malay support, but Wan Fayhsal said it was insufficient and could be improved.
'We have to build enough consensus among the Malays first, among the scholars, among the teachers, among the kampung folks, before reaching the next step,' he said, adding that this was the approach even before Malaya's independence.
On Wednesday, Mahathir launched his new Malay unity 'umbrella'' with the backing of PAS and Bersatu; it is aimed at restoring the community's political power and protecting them from political and economic decline.
However, the initiative's theme appeared to contradict Bersatu's shift towards more moderate and centrist politics, when leaders such as deputy president Hamzah Zainudin had recently mooted a 'new national consensus' that went beyond one race or religion.
Political analyst Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Bersatu's decision to back the 'Malay umbrella' would make people question the party's sincerity about bringing national reconciliation.
Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia described it as typical political doublespeak, where politicians use almost contradictory tones and themes when addressing different audiences.
However, Wan Fayhsal said he believed that Mahathir's alliance was a sincere and necessary step towards political stability.
He said the current government was on an unstable footing. 'Like it or not, the current government is in very bad shape because (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) has failed to muster Malay support until today. So until and unless the Malays warm up to the government, the country will not be politically stable,' said Wan Fayhsal, a former deputy national unity minister.
Wan Fayhsal said the 'Malay umbrella' could also generate political interest and awareness among young Malays, adding that this was a key strategy for PN as it prepares for the next general election.
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