KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today said his government will spearhead drastic changes in the coming months to help make Malaysia “a stronger, more united and cohesive nation”.
Responding to the call made by Pakatan Rakyat for a national consensus on important issues, Najib said the government’s national reconciliation plan will be based on four key thrusts namely, social, political, government and international relations.
“Going forward, I will lead the implementation of changes that we hope will bring all Malaysians closer together.
“I invite all Malaysians to join me on this journey,” he said in a statement today.
He also mocked Pakatan’s proposal for the national consensus for containing vague ideas.
He added he had mooted the national reconciliation idea following the May 2013 general election but were rejected by the opposition.
He said that they had even questioned the legitimacy of the elections although it proved to be baseless.
“I am now heartened to see that the Opposition is calling for a consensus and I am sure that they will welcome this new development,” he said.
However the premier ruled out any possibilities of a unity government with the Opposition.
“We were given a strong mandate by the people to govern at the last general election and we intend to do so.
“However, we must look at becoming more inclusive in our activities and events.
“We are open to talking to all parties and we can use Parliament including the setting up of bi-partisan committees to discuss issues affecting national unity,” he added.
Najib said that the government’s plan was based on democratic principles.
He also gave his assurance that the government will continue to defend the freedom to voice one’s views but “this must also be tempered with responsibility”.
“In order for all this to succeed, we must all commit to avoid spreading lies and slander, finally putting to rest the politics of hate.
“There is also a need to go back to the grassroots and re-engage with the people to build their commitment to our common vision of a peaceful, successful and harmonious Malaysia,” he said.
Last week Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim urged the government to sit down and discuss with them on national issues, including the price hikes and the racial tension in the nation.
Najib had responded that he would discuss the proposal with his Cabinet which met today.
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