Umno, PAS to sign pact, pledge inclusivity at event dubbed ‘Muslim unity gathering’

KUALA LUMPUR — After decades of animosity, the two biggest Malay-Muslim parties, the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), will sign a formal political pact at a two-day gathering in Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur beginning this Friday (Sept 13).

It is dubbed the Himpunan Penyatuan Ummah (Muslim unity gathering), but news portal Malaysiakini said that UMNO and PAS may go for a more “inclusive” theme.

It reported that the organisers wanted a theme to reflect Malaysia’s diversity after months of divisive politics.

“We want an agenda that is more inclusive and not just focused on Muslims and Islam,” a source told the portal.

Umno supreme council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said: “We want to save Malaysia, not just Malays but everyone, from Pakatan Harapan.”

The event is expected to draw crowds of at least 10,000, Malaysiakini said.

Umno and PAS have put their long-time rivalry aside and will sign a charter and a memorandum of understanding, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

“This is political co-operation and not a political coalition,” he stressed.

“It will be an inclusive kind of meet where all parties, races and religions will also be invited to be part of the co-operation.”

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said that he expected the gathering to be a show of strength.

“The signing of the deal may not be legally binding, but it is a show of commitment by party leaders, supported by the grassroots,” he said.

Invitations to the gathering have emerged on social media, urging participants to wear white. AGENCIES