Anwar takes 'moderate' path on Umno tensions, downplays rift as 'normal'

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is opting for a “moderate” approach in dealing with differing views regarding cooperation with Umno within the coalition government.

This comes amid increasing antagonism from Umno against Anwar and Pakatan Harapan, with BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also a deputy prime minister, openly challenging the prime minister to kick Umno out of the Madani government.

Speaking to Malaysian media before concluding his working visit to India yesterday, Anwar, who is also the Harapan chairperson, stressed that the government must remain stable as any overly harsh actions concerning Umno’s position in the government could negatively affect the nation.

“I choose a somewhat moderate path because what is important is that the government must be stable; otherwise there will be many losses for our country.

“So for me, that is what is important, and I see that, for example, is also the voice we hear, including from Umno,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

He added that while numerous parties, including Harapan components, have voiced various views, such matters are “normal” within a coalition and should not be perceived as a threat to government cooperation.

“We listen to everything, but to my knowledge, I don’t see any problems. There are small and normal ones. Even in a household, there are minor issues, let alone with political commanders,” he said.

The prime minister said this when asked for his views on remarks made at the recent Umno annual general meeting, during which party president Zahid (below) fired multiple shots at the premier.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke yesterday urged Anwar to convene an emergency Harapan presidential council meeting to address concerns over political uncertainty stemming from indications that parties in the unity government are not “heading in the same direction.” - Mkini