KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has sent its strongest signal yet on potential cooperation with PAS by backing a proposed gathering of one million Muslims, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said ties between the two parties must be strengthened for Muslim unity rather than purely political gain.
Seeking delegates’ approval for the Muslim Unity Gathering, he asked that the party’s Youth chief be mandated to lead the initiative.
Expressing appreciation to PAS leaders for attending the assembly, Ahmad Zahid described their presence as a positive step towards closer ties.
“I interpret this as a sign that the space for mutual understanding,” he said in his winding-up speech at the assembly.
On a separate issue, Ahmad Zahid instructed Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to explore providing free flight tickets for B40 students from Sabah and Sarawak studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
He added that similar directives were given to the Mentris Besar of Johor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Perak, as well as the Melaka Chief Minister, to assist students from their states studying in Sabah and Sarawak.
Speaking to reporters, the Umno president confirmed meeting Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim regarding recent political developments in the state, describing the issues as “resolvable”.
The meeting followed revelations by Ismail that he was forced under duress to sign a proclamation to remove Negri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
