Razlan says Umno remains open to Malay unity with PN

SHAH ALAM – Umno has not ruled out the possibility of cooperating with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the interest of Malay and Muslim unity.

Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Razlan Rafii called on political leaders to move beyond past divisions and work towards safeguarding the future of the Malay community and the nation.

Razlan said historical disputes should no longer hinder efforts to find common ground, stressing that the younger generation should place greater importance on unity than on prolonging political conflicts.

"The various episodes that took place in the past, including the 'Hadi's Mandate' issue and divisions within the Malay community, should be regarded as history that should not be dragged on indefinitely.

"We must understand that as long as we can see common ground to stand together, we must fight for it because that is what will guarantee our future.

"If that can be translated into political cooperation, then that is our aspiration to see Malays united," he said.

He said this during Sinar Harian's Berani Semuka programme titled 'Seteru Jadi Kawan, Kawan Jadi Seteru: Politik Matang atau Huru-hara?', alongside Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Youth chief Hasbie Muda and Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan) information chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.

Addressing calls for Pas to retract the 'Hadi's Mandate' speech delivered by Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang in Banggol Peradong, Terengganu, in April 1981, Razlan said the matter should be left in the hands of Allah SWT and should not prevent political reconciliation.

He said issues from the past, including separate imams, disputes over communal feasts and divisions among Malays, should no longer serve as the foundation for political hostility.

"Today is the era of the younger generation. Surely we should not continue dragging these issues until Malays continue fighting among themselves.

"Malays must realise that this country is the only Malay homeland. We need to find a way to unite," he said.

At the same time, Razlan reiterated that Umno would continue defending what it considers the "red lines" within the unity government.

According to him, Umno joined the coalition based on a mutual understanding that the position of the Malay Rulers and Islam would remain protected.

"If any party crosses those boundaries, Umno has the right to reprimand and criticise them in defence of the principles that were agreed upon.

"When those red lines are crossed, is it wrong for Umno to respond with criticism? In my view, it is not wrong because those principles were agreed upon from the very beginning when the Unity Government was formed," he said.