Sitting at same table with Umno helps resolve issues, says Hannah

 The federal territories minister cites her experience with Umno's Johari Ghani.

Federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh uploaded a picture of her sitting next to Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani, who is also investment, trade and industry minister. (Hannah Yeoh FB pic)

PETALING JAYA:

DAP’s Hannah Yeoh said “sitting at the same table” with an Umno MP has helped her with issues concerning the federal territories, including managing the Ramadan bazaars and development of Kampung Baru.

The federal territories minister said she often sought Johari Ghani’s views on various matters.

Yeoh said that based on the Titiwangsa MP’s experience, she has learnt that listening to differing views helped her arrive at the best decision for the people.

“In the end, the people do not judge us on our differences,” she said in a Facebook post, referring to politicians from different parties. “(They judge us on) how we work together to resolve an issue – all of which begins by sitting at the same table.”

She added that a leader’s strength was not based on who they rejected but their ability to work with those who hold different views.

The Segambut MP’s comments come in the wake of the spat between leaders from the two parties following Johor Barisan Nasional chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s remarks that he would not want to sit at the same table with DAP.

Yeoh went on to say that the 11MPs of the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, with the investment, trade and industry minister being the sole representative from Umno, only have one WhatsApp group.

“There is no division (along party lines),” said Yeoh, who also uploaded a picture of her sitting next to Johari.

Yeoh said the strength of a government – built on cooperation – hinged on listening to the views of allies in the government.

hat is solidarity. That is respect.”

On Sunday, Onn Hafiz said he would rather give up his menteri besar’s position than be part of a state government that included DAP.

“I would rather not hold the position of menteri besar or sit at the same table with them,” he was quoted as saying.

Onn Hafiz’s remarks led DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook to accuse him of arrogance.

Loke also reminded Onn Hafiz that BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is part of the same federal administration as DAP leaders. - FMT