‘Strengthen Malay-Muslim political agenda’

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs to further strengthen the Malay-Muslim political agenda in order to remain relevant in the future, said its deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the spirit to fight for the national Malay agenda must be guided by a deeper Islamic understanding.

“The best example is through the unity of the community of Umno and PAS, which is currently being explored,” he said in his address in conjunction with Umno’s 73rd anniversary.

His speech was made at a breaking of fast event here at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

Also present at the event were PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, PAS ulama chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed and PAS information chief Nasruddin Hassan Tantawi.

Others included MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, his deputy Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and the Umno top leadership.

Mohamad said it was timely for Umno to give a new “breath” to the Umno-PAS political cooperation.

“Both Umno and PAS members share the same God and believe in the same prophets, but due to poli­tical ego, it has caused conflict between us for decades.

“It is unfortunate for the Muslims, with such divisive politics, that we end up praying at different mosques.

“Let us now destroy the narratives and build a new cooperation based on the spirit of the Malay-Muslim political agenda in the interest of the community,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the fight for the Malay-Muslim agenda would not sideline other communities.

“The Islamic political concept is supported by national intentions and guided with a stronger sense of unity for all,” he said.

Dr Wee said there was no problem for opposition parties to work together to topple the government.

“For me, any parties can coope­rate and rally their energy together as an opposition.

“It is not unusual based on the interest of all and the spirit of solidarity of the opposition parties to work together.

“That is normal,” he said when asked about PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s comment on the possibility of a formal pact between PAS and Umno in the 15th General Election.