All Malay leaders defend Malay, Bumiputera interests despite differing approaches - PKR Youth Chief

IPOH - All Malay leaders have always defended the interests of Malays and Bumiputera although they may differ in political approaches and party politics, said PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.

He said fundamental matters enshrined in the Constitution, such as the position of Islam, the Malay language and the institution of the Malay Rulers, have also always been championed by all Malay leaders regardless of party affiliation.

"There is no issue among the Malay community regarding the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, the status of the Malay language, the institution of the Malay Rulers and the special rights of Malays and Bumiputera.

"Any Malay leader, regardless of party, will continue to defend these matters when faced with such issues. In fact, the position of the Malay language continues to be safeguarded and is now accorded greater recognition,” he told reporters after officiating at the Madani frontliners appreciation ceremony and the Singgah Sahur with the Perak police contingent headquarters here today.

He said this when asked to comment on the Rumah Bangsa unity initiative announced by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which opens the door wide for any former members who were expelled or suspended to return to Umno without conditions.

Muhammad Kamil, who is also the Finance Minister's political secretary, stressed that although there are differences in political views, it does not mean that the unity of Malays and Bumiputera is eroding.

"What I see is that the differences that exist are only in terms of the political approaches taken by certain leaders or parties.

"Some choose a harder line, while others see that although the majority in this country are Malays, there are also other races and ethnic groups. Therefore, wisdom is needed in managing and controlling several issues, especially those involving sensitive matters,” he said.

He said the idea of unity being discussed by political leaders today is not new, as the concept had earlier been proposed by former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who had suggested the formation of a Unity Government involving all political parties.

"So I think this may be a continuation of that effort. There is no problem or obstacle for us to continue discussing and deliberating on certain matters,” he said.

At the programme, Muhammad Kamil handed over 400 food packs to frontliners comprising personnel from fire stations, police stations and hospitals.

The programme, a brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was organised as a gesture of the government’s appreciation for frontliners serving to safeguard the safety and well-being of the people. - BERNAMA