Put Malaysia first, Fahmi says amid calls for Umno's exit

 

PKR has brushed aside calls to push Umno out of the unity government, saying political leaders should put the country’s interests ahead of party sentiment. — BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR has brushed aside calls to push Umno out of the unity government, saying political leaders should put the country's interests ahead of party sentiment.

PKR information chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had made clear that any decision involving the government would be based on what was best for the country.

"The prime minister said during the recent PKR congress in Melaka that whatever decision we make will not be based on emotion.

"We will think about the country and put the country first. That is what our 'guru' has taught us," he told reporters after participating in the OXYENERGY x Media Prima Merdeka Run 2026.

Present were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Media Prima Berhad News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor and New Straits Times group editor Datuk Farrah Naz Abd Karim, her deputy group editor Sharanjit Singh and News and Current Affairs group editor Television Networks Datuk Azhari Muhidin.

Asked whether the government would wait for Umno to withdraw from the unity government or for the prime minister to decide to remove the party, Fahmi dismissed the suggestion, saying differing views were normal within any political party.

"I think if we look at any party, there will be diverse views. Some may want to do A, while others may want to do B.

"But as leaders, we must set an example by putting Malaysia first and prioritising the country.

"For me, that should be our guide, not only in leading a party but also in leading the country," he said.

On whether there was cooperation or discussion with Umno, Fahmi said cooperation among parties within the unity government remained strong, with leaders continuing to work together through weekly cabinet meetings and other government engagements.

"Indeed, every week in cabinet meetings, as well as at many events, cooperation at the federal level within the unity government and Madani government remains strong and solid, and we work together," he said.

Fahmi said this was necessary as the government continued to address various challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, although some issues such as fuel supply had been resolved.

He said Anwar, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan were also in India to participate in 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit and explore opportunities to attract further investment to Malaysia.

"This is also to ensure that major companies, including those from India, can come to Malaysia.

"The diplomatic ties established by the prime minister, in particular, open up significant opportunities for us to address some of the challenging economic issues.

"Not all countries at this time can achieve GDP growth as strong as what we are seeing in Malaysia.

"But challenges remain, and leaders in Putrajaya, regardless of party, within the unity government and Madani government coalition, will continue to work to put Malaysia first," he said. - NST