KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will open its widest door to PAS by agreeing to hold a one-million-strong Muslim gathering to promote Malay-Muslim unity, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president thanked PAS leaders for attending the party’s general assembly, saying their presence was a positive sign for closer ties.
“I interpret this as a positive sign that the space for mutual understanding and cooperation will be opened as widely as possible,” he said in his winding-up speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly here on Saturday (Sept 12).
Ahmad Zahid said ties between the two parties must be strengthened, not merely for political reasons but also in the interest of Muslim unity.
“God willing, we will work together with them politically,” he said.
He then sought delegates’ approval for the proposed Muslim Unity Gathering, which aims to bring together one million Muslims.
He also proposed Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh to be given the mandate to mobilise the initiative.
“I now ask for your agreement to give the Umno Youth chief the mandate to mobilise this initiative,” he said, drawing an overwhelming show of support from delegates.
“Let us cooperate with them and organise a roadshow from state to state, culminating in a large-scale national gathering.
“We should also conduct political engagement and joint activities so that this movement is more organised,” he said.
PAS leaders attended the opening of the Umno Annual General Assembly on Friday (Sept 11).
Among those seen were party vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad, secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Syahir Sulaiman, who is PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s political secretary, as well as PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.
