PUTRAJAYA: MCA Youth will keep an "open mind" towards the proposed cooperation between Umno and Pas on Malay unity.

Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the wing was confident that Umno would consult the rest of its Barisan Nasional partners before deciding on any form of cooperation.

"Whatever it is, Umno will need the consent of the BN's component parties.

"This is the way it has always been practised," Liow said after chairing a meeting of the MCA Youth executive council yesterday.

He was asked about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's comments earlier this week that Umno welcomed talks with Pas leaders on issues affecting the Malays, such as unity, their special position and spreading of Islamic teachings and values.
"We look at this with an open mind. Unity is important among various groups and races and talks to that end should be encouraged."

On the resignation of MCA central committee member Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew and the possibility of her joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Liow said her wishes should be respected.

"It won't affect things in the MCA. The party's struggle and commitment to the nation and community remains clear.

"It's a difficult time following our losses in the general election but it is making us stronger and more united."

Liow said the youth executive council also discussed the ongoing debate between MPs about the increased number of government scholarships for non-Bumiputera students this year.

"The exco is clear that scholarships must always be based on merit and be given to excellent students."