KUALA LUMPUR: Umno and DAP's differing views on the proposal to nominate Chinese new villages in Selangor as a Unesco world Heritage Site will not affect their relationship in the unity government.
However, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said they vehemently reject Housing and Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming's proposal on the matter.
"To nominate a place to be a Unesco site is not easy. There needs o be consultation and it has to be brought to the cabinet.
"If necessary, Parliament also needs to approve it.
"Umno feels that there is no need for all that," Mohamad told reporters at the sideline of the MCA Chinese New Year open house here today.
When asked if differing views with Nga, who is in DAP, would affect Umno-DAP ties in the unity government, he said there would be no such thing.
"This (differing views) will not affect any relationship. Umno is only airing our views.
"As party components in the unity government, we should respect each other's views," he said.
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said although the proposal aimed to empower the country's tourism sector, they are of the view that the implications are too big and indirectly affect the Malay-Bumiputera position in the country.
Asyraf had said that the matter was against the Federal Constitution, which recognises the Bumiputera's status and their rights.
Nga had previously said that the proposal to nominate Chinese new villages Kampung Baru Cina in Selangor as a Unesco World Heritage Site was to recognise its cultural and historical importance as these settlements were founded 76 years ago.
Nga had said the matter will be discussed in more detail with the Selangor government.
Earlier, Mohamad attended the Chinese New Year event with other unity government leaders.
They were led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Others included Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan.
