Accept opposition call for dialogue, Tengku Razaleigh tells Putrajaya

Veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (pic) is all for considering the opposition's call for a dialogue and has urged Putrajaya to accept the offer.

"Don't think who gains or losses because in the end, if it is for the benefit of the people, especially the poor, I think we should grab the opportunity," he said today.

He said while it is up to the government to decide on the dialogue offer, the needs of the people should be of paramount importance.

"What benefits the people should be given due consideration," he said.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had signalled his readiness to meet Putrajaya over several issues for the sake of the nation's well-being and future.

"Notwithstanding our strong protests about the validity of the outcome of the last elections, we are prepared to put aside our differences for the sake of the nation," he had said.

"We believe that it is imperative for the prime minister to convene without the slightest delay a round- table meeting between the BN government and Pakatan Rakyat in order to deliberate on the issues raised and formulate a comprehensive solution."

Anwar, in his Merdeka Day speech, also pushed for a quick meeting between both parties to solve various issues plaguing the country.

But his offer was rejected by Umno leaders who described the offer as "desperate" and "not to be trusted".

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said it was a desperate move brought on by Pakatan Rakyat's failure to win election petitions disputing the May 5 general election results.