National reconciliation practical and workable - Saifuddin

Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM) chief executive officer Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the national reconciliation process, proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is practical and workable because of some factors.

"Firstly, it is comprehensive, because it covers a wide and strategic framework i.e. social, political, government and international relations," he said in a press statement on Thursday.

Secondly, he said, the process is progressive as it promises to uphold democratic principles, like freedom of speech.

"Thirdly, it is participative, because it will involve engagement and consultation with the people, including the grassroots and youths," he said.

Fourthly, he said, it is a new way of governing, because it is more inclusive and opens up possibilities of bi-partisan collaboration between the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

He said the announcement was timely and long awaited.

"In this context, Najib first made the call for reconciliation in his victory speech after the GE13 result was announced on May 5, 2013. This was followed with his launching of the National Unity Consultation Council on 25th November 2013," he said.

He said the Universiti Malaya’s Centre for Democracy and Election (UMCEDEL) survey recently showed that 67 percent of the people want BN and PR to work together on fundamental areas in nation building.

"I am optimistic that this process is part of the journey of New Politics, i.e., bringing our political culture to a higher level and towards a mature and progressive democracy," he said.

He asid new politics comprises four major components: integrity, new governance framework, innovations in democracy and progressive political thoughts.

He said he realised that the national reconciliation process may take time to achieve its objective and face challenges along the way.

He also called on all Malaysians, including politicians from both side of the divide and the 'middle ground' -consisting of youths, the academia, professionals, technocrats, entrepreneurs, media and civil society to support this process for a better Malaysia.

On Sunday, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had called on Malaysians regardless of their political affiliation, to work together towards national consensus.