SEREMBAN: Umno has brushed off criticism from PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over its "Rumah Bangsa" initiative, saying it is maintaining its focus on preparations for the upcoming Melaka and Johor state elections.
Party deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan described responding to Hadi’s remarks as a "waste of time", citing what he called the PAS leader’s record of inconsistent positions.
"He can call it (the initiative) a ghost house or anything else," he said.
"Umno is a very harmonious party now, one that has undergone self-reflection after failing to secure sufficient voter support in the past two general elections.
"This initiative is meant to rejuvenate Umno, and that process has to begin from within the party," he told reporters after the Rembau parliamentary Umno iftar event here on Thursday (March 12).
Earlier, Abdul Hadi said PAS was not prepared to be part of Umno's Rumah Bangsa initiative, describing it as an "unsafe political structure".
The Marang MP was also reported as saying the concept does not place Islam at its core.
He said this was the conclusion reached by PAS based on the observations of its representatives who attended a meeting chaired by Umno with several political parties last week.
"It would be even more dangerous if it eventually becomes a house without a roof and walls, where ghosts can enter and become 'penunggu', putting everyone inside at risk," Abdul Hadi was reported as saying.
Under the Rumah Bangsa concept, Umno is opening its doors to former members who were expelled or suspended to return to the party.
The initiative is also open to any individual who wishes to join Umno's struggle.
The concept is presented as a "forgive and forget" platform aimed at consolidating Malay political power and strengthening the party from within.
Representatives from eight political parties met on March 5 to seek common ground on issues concerning Malays, Bumiputras and Islam.
Mohamad said the initiative would also benefit the party, which performed poorly in GE15 mainly due to internal discord and its failure to resolve several issues.
He said Umno remains one of the more harmonious political organisations in the country and that the party intends to build its strength on that foundation.
Citing a traditional Malay proverb, Mohamad reminded political leaders to maintain decorum in their speech, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
"Our elders used to say that your spoken language reflects your lineage and character. So if we want to show that we come from a good background, we must use good language," he added.
