State govts must emulate Unity Govt's political consensus - Senator

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- The unity concept and political consensus adopted by the Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must be emulated by the administration of every state government.

Senator Datuk Noraini Idris when making the proposal said the concept adopted by the Unity Government, including the aspects of tolerance, is key to political sustainability that can propagate new energy and strength that can offer benefits to the people.

"Therefore, state governments need to implement the anti-party hopping law to ensure stability, failing which elected peoples representatives will be free to hop from one party to another for political survival while the people will forever be entrenched in cheap politics," said Noraini during debate on the Royal Address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Dewan Negara, today.

Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli on the other hand said the government through the Ministry of Unity need to find a way to overcome efforts by some to create disunity, disrupt the existing harmony and cause tension among the various races.

“In the past there were plans to draft laws to prevent misunderstandings related to race and religion so that peace and harmony can prevail...I hope the ministry can expedite such efforts so that we can feel safe in the country.

“We will try to find the best solution to ensure we can all live together in peace and harmony, for example develop new areas that will not be dominated by a certain race,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran proposed that the government re-establish the Indian Affairs Cabinet Committee that is chaired by the Prime Minister himself to ensure the development and welfare of the Indian community in the country.

“The committee will not only be tasked to resolve issues like education but also basic issues faced by the Indian community,” he said.

Senator Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya meanwhile, proposed that the government offer incentives and take the necessary steps to encourage the use of green energy to reduce carbon emission so that the aspirations to establish carbon free cities in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya can be achieved.

“This is an important step to overcome climate change and to ensure a sustainable environment for the future generation but it needs the commitment and vast cooperation of the various authorities, including the government, industries, local communities and individuals,” he said.

The Dewan Negara session continues tomorrow.  

-- BERNAMA