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By SHARON LING (The Star) KUCHING: Barisan Nasional component parties must be careful about how they bring up sensitive issues to avoid creating ill-feelings among the component parties or the people, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. He said such issues should be discussed within Barisan in a spirit of consensus and goodwill instead of being aired publicly or through the media. ”I know that there is more bickering today, with many issues creating ill feelings among ourselves. But there are certain issues we cannot talk about openly and we cannot look for solutions in the media. ”Sometimes we allow ourselves to follow the rhythm and flow of the media and we are asked to give comment upon comment upon comment until the issue drags on and becomes more complicated,” he said when opening the Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) 21st delegates’ conference at party headquarters in Kuching on Saturday. However, Abdullah said there would be no problems if Barisan components were willing to talk about difficult issues as friends and partners. ”If we bring up issues in a spirit of consensus, mutual respect and partnership, we will be able to discuss the most sensitive of issues as among friends whom we believe are sincere in wanting to overcome problems and do what is best for all Malaysians. ”Because we do not look at ourselves as enemies, we will manage to resolve problems no matter how difficult they may be,” he said. He said this had been Barisan’s style of resolving issues, and as it had been successful all this while, it should be maintained. ”Don’t let’s create trouble. If you have problems, find the right time to raise them. It’s not impossible to resolve problems. It depends on our willingness to compromise and work hard,” he said. As such, Abdullah called on Barisan components not to isolate themselves but to put unity and consensus first. ”Consensus is the best approach in solving problems,” he said, adding that the coalition’s strength lay in the consensus of its members. He also said Barisan practised democracy, power sharing and tolerance, emphasised what was common among all its members and avoided differences which could cause problems. ”This has been our choice before and this must continue to be our choice today,” he added.
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The Blogs 
So keep the speech to yourself, please.