Now is the right time for reconciliation, BN’s Shahidan tells Pakatan Rakyat

Reconciliation talks between Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and Barisan Nasional can begin now but it must be based on good intentions, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (pic).

Shahidan, who is also responsible for parliamentary matters, said PR can bring its motion to the House if it is really sincere about reconciliation.

“This is the best time for the opposition to bring the matter to Parliament as we are a government which focuses on unity,” he said at a press conference in Parliament today.

“First, start by having good intentions about us (government). Start with good impressions and not with negative impressions of us. Otherwise, it would never work.”

The Arau MP said political leaders from both sides of the divide have been unofficially raising the subject when in Parliament.

“We can make it official, they can bring the motion to Parliament. Then we can make good of it,” he said.

Shahidan was responding to PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who had previously stated that he was ready to work with Umno, including having dialogues to discuss issues if the party was invited to do so.

Hadi recalled that PAS and Umno leaders used to do that to sort out issues.

He said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the former PAS president, the late Datuk Fadzil Noor, had done so in a forum.

"We can discuss issues like crime, corruption and the economy. If we are invited to discuss, we will go,” said Hadi.

In his Merdeka speech last month, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim offered an olive branch to Umno, urging them to hold a dialogue on several pressing issues for the sake of the nation’s well-being and future. – September 23, 2013.