Najib: Rohingya rally proof Umno and PAS united on common issues

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (pic) says the party can work together with PAS on “common issues” without needing to establish a political pact.

Referring to Sunday’s ‘Himpunan Solidariti Ummah’ to protest the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Najib said that both parties were united on issues pertaining to the ummah (Muslim community).

“I think we decided that on issues where we have a common stand and common position, especially on the question of the ummah, PAS and Umno can work together.

“It does not mean we are in a coalition but the issue is one that is common ground between both parties, so definitely we can work together,” he told reporters after the Umno general assembly, here, Saturday.

Najib, who is Prime Minister, was asked to comment on the prospect of joining the rally, to be held in Stadium Titiwangsa, alongside PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

However, he said it was too early to suggest that a formal political pact was on the cards for both parties.

“It’s too early to say anything. I believe politics is dynamic, but this isn’t an issue of politics, it is about universal values, Islam, and sanctity of life,” the Umno President added.

Earlier in his winding up speech at the assembly, Najib told the party delegates in the hall that he would attend the rally, which is being organised by Muslim NGOs.

Myanmar had reportedly warned Malaysia to respect the principle of non-interference after Najib agreed to attend the protest.