Kedah Perkasa Youth (Wira Perkasa) today suggested that a roundtable be held involving it and the youth wings of Umno, Pas and PKR to discuss issues pertaining to Malay unity.

Its chief Shaharol Niza Omar said such a roundtable could help them address the issues constructively in the interest of the Malays, Islam and the country.

According to a Bernama report, Shaharol said the right wing non-governmental oprganisation did not have any agendas in suggesting the rountable and that it was only an initiative by them to advance Malay unity.

In a related development, Umno vice-president Mohd Shafie Apdal said Umno's entry into Sabah 20 years ago had helped to unite the bumiputeras who had been kept disunited and at loggerheads due to political differences.

He said Umno had helped to bring political stability which was conducive for development of the people and the state.

"After the arrival of Umno, all the communities became united," he said at an Aidilfitri reception organised by the Tawau Umno Youth in Kampung Hidayat, Tawau, last night.

Shafie, who is rural and regional development minister, said following the arrival of Umno, more development came to Sabah.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, the emphasis was for rural development in both Sabah and Sarawak, he added.

He also said that this was the first time that greater focus had been given to rural development in the two states under the five-year development plan.