National unity first: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak is going all out to implement the national reconciliation plan, even after the prime mover of the idea PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim withdrew his offer to reciprocate Monday night.
Najib in replying to a question from Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang) in the Dewan Rakyat said the government will not sacrifice the national interest to give in to the demands of certain quarters in implementing the national reconciliation plan.
He said the politics of antagonism and negative perceptions had been disseminated by these quarters since the 13th general election of May last year, thus jeopardising the spirit of goodwill among the people.
"This can damage the concord and harmony among the people of the various races in the country. As such, we need national reconciliation to improve racial relations.
"It is not merely appeasement. It aims to foster the spirit of togetherness among the people so that they can participate equally to build a united nation in facing the challenges of the future,"
Abdul Hadi had wanted to know the model and terms proposed by the government on the national reconciliation plan.
Najib said the national reconciliation plan was based on the four key pillars of social, political, government and international relations. It was more towards collaboration, common stand and building understanding for the good of religion and society, he added.
He said the government was doing everything possible to build good relations with all quarters and groups, including the states administered by the opposition political parties.
"The government is committed and open, conducts dialogue and engagement and involves various groups, communities and organisations in discussions to foster goodwill, stronger ties among the people, tolerance and patriotism," he said.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat communications director Fahmi Fadzil today said Anwar has decided to withdrawn his proposal for a national consensus with BN.
He said the decision was made two days ago in the party's meeting which was then announced during one of Anwar's ceramah held in Kajang.