LDP chief says move unlikely to affect unity among BN components

KUALA LUMPUR: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) believed talks between Umno and PAS will not affect unity among Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

Its president Datuk Liew Vui Keong said he believed any move that could enhance unity would benefit the country.

“I think it is a healthy development when you talk about unity. I think it is about time we all have to stand together on issues of unity,” he told reporters after opening the Malaysia Trade External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) seminar on Opportunities Under Malaysia’s Free Trade Agreements here yesterday.

On the possibility that Umno and PAS would merge into one political party, as suggested by PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Liew who is Deputy International Trade and Industry said, “It is still at an early stage.”

He declined to comment further.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had confirmed recently he had met PAS leaders on three occasions to discuss about Islam and Malay unity in the wake of the 12th general election.

On Nik Abdul Aziz’s proposal to implement the Hudud and Qisas law if the merger came through, Liew said, “I think that is something that PAS is doing in Kelantan and if it wants to do it nationally, I think the party has to get the mandate from the electorate.” — Bernama