Pas calls for a unity government

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — In another sign that Pas has yet to abandon the idea of forging a closer relationship with Umno, the Islamist party's president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang has called for the formation of a national unity government in view of the current political turmoil.

In an interview with The Malaysian Insider, the Marang MP said Barisan Nasional could not on its own bring the country out of the economic crisis.

Hadi was also certain that the party would not suffer the same fate as in 1970s when it was expelled from BN and lost its control over Kelantan. Last year, the party was split between the conservative faction which favours cooperation with Umno through what it calls muzakarah (dialogue) and another which prefers to strengthen the then newly formed alliance Pakatan Rakyat.

“We need to look common ground in uniting political parties in carrying out responsibilities, it’s not that we cannot disagree, but we want this common ground to be given priority, before we spend our time on issues that we disagree on,” said Hadi.

He added that he was inspired by the efforts taken by former Indonesian president BJ Habibie who united and reformed the country after the end of Suharto’s era.

“Most importantly, the people must be united. It has to take precedence over party interest. Let us sacrifice some of our rights sincerely for the sake of saving our country,” said Hadi.

“I wish to suggest to the outgoing Prime Minister to make some changes, to at least complete his agenda in reforming the judiciary, eradicating corruption and I believe Barisan Nasional cannot do it alone.

'To do it fairly it must involve all parties, in times of crisis it is important for all of to carry out our duties collectively,” said Hadi.

He confirmed that while the matter has been discussed internally it has yet to be brought to the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council of which Hadi is a member.

“This is a very big thing. Even at party level, we have yet to discuss in detail but I could see that many agreed with me in principle, but the execution will not be easy.

'It takes time, the right attitude, and openness from all parties and a sense of responsibility,” said Hadi.

“We have discussed many options in restoring the nation’s political stability. Pas is very experienced. We have joined a coalition government and Pas was also part of Barisan Nasional and we have to enrich our experience, by taking the responsibility of solving our country’s problems,” he added.

He also said that the party has yet to contact any BN leader on his idea.

Hadi added that the idea of forging political cooperation must be seen in a wider context.

“In handling national issues, we are allowed to tahaluf (forming alliance) with any party. Tahaluf not only in the context of opposition parties but in the context of governing the nation, and without us joining BN or BN joining us,” he said.

“I have floated this idea in Selangor at a victory celebration after the general election at Melawati Stadium, but at the time BN wanted to defend their position and Pakatan Rakyat wanted to bring about change its own way,” he added.

Hadi said that with the current economic crisis and political turmoil the time is right for a unity government.