PM WANTS PROBLEMS AMONG BN LEADERS RESOLVED IN SPIRIT OF CONSENSUS

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak said Friday problems
among leaders of ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should be
resolved in the BN spirit of consensus.

He said the BN, as a highly experienced coalition, had the capability to manage
all problems in the common interest.

"They can discuss (these problems) at any time and I, as the BN chairman, will
give all parties time to offer their views and suggestions," he told reporters
after chairing a meeting of the National Finance Council, at the Finance
Ministry, here.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, was asked to comment on the recent
statements by several BN leaders which touched on racial sensitivities.

He said he understood that some BN component party leaders were forced to issue
statements which touched on racial sensitivities.

He said he hoped that these leaders would realise that their audience comprised
all the people of Malaysia.

"... and when we do or say something, we have to first consider the reaction
from the other communities," he said.

The prime minister said the Malays felt that their position in the economy
was weak and they lagged behind, and needed help from the government through various
policies.

At the same time, he said, the Chinese had their considerations, which differed
from those of the Malays.

"This is the dichotomy in our society. The expectations of the Malays and the
Chinese are different. So, one of the challenges is to manage the political
dichotomy in our country," he said.
-- BERNAMA