SHAH ALAM - While reiterating its opposition to the suggestion of designating Chinese New Villages as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Umno has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Housing and Local Government Ministry on pressing national issues.
Umno Secretary-General Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki acknowledged Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming's decision to move past the proposal and stressed the need to prioritise more critical concerns.
"We appreciate YB Nga Kor Ming's decision to respect Umno's stance and focus on other matters.
"The Unity Government must address immediate priorities, like the rising cost of living and improving overall well-being for all Malaysians," Asyraf said in a Facebook post.
He stressed that these issues transcend racial boundaries and require inclusive, collaborative solutions.
"Moving forward, let's avoid proposals that might inflame tensions.
"Instead, let's prioritise constructive discussions within the Cabinet and the Unity Government Secretariat for the collective good," he added.
Nga had previously proposed nominating the Chinese new villages in Selangor as a Unesco world heritage site in recognition of their cultural and historical significance since their creation 76 years ago.
Umno subsequently opposed the move, with the party’s deputy president Mohamad Hasan saying there was no need for these villages to be designated a world heritage site.
Asyraf said although the proposal aimed to empower the country’s tourism sector, it would indirectly affect the Malay-Bumiputera position.
He said the proposal was against the Federal Constitution, impinging on the status and rights of Bumiputeras.
According to Nga the proposal is still in its early stages and said the ministry would also support a similar Unesco nomination for a traditional Malay village.