PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has rejected supporting Umno’s Rumah Bangsa initiative intended to unite the Malays, asserting that the movement does not have Islam at its core.
Hadi stated that this conclusion was reached by PAS following observations made by party representatives who attended a meeting chaired by Umno with several political parties last week.
In a Facebook post, the Marang Member of Parliament noted that while there were no DAP representatives present at the gathering, the underlying intent was clear. He argued that the meeting was part of an effort to unite the Malays based on the spirit of nationalism rather than religious principles.
He further claimed that Umno remains committed to its partnership with DAP to maintain its position in the government, even if such an alliance forces the party to depart from its essential struggles.
PAS maintains independent stance
Hadi emphasised that PAS is adhering to its principle of joining forces only with trusted allies who would not obstruct the struggles of Islam. He accused Umno of being willing to befriend any party that could assist it in gaining or retaining power.
The PAS leader stated clearly that the party is not willing to join the Rumah Bangsa platform offered by Umno, citing a misalignment in fundamental values.
The rejection follows a meeting on March 5 at Umno’s headquarters, where representatives from eight political parties sought common ground on matters involving the Malays, Bumiputera, and Islam.
According to Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the session included representatives from PAS, PKR, Amanah, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Berjasa, Parti Kongres India Muslim Malaysia, and Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia. PAS was represented at the meeting by its secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan.
Umno Youth chief defends initiative
In response to the criticism, Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh described it as ironic that Hadi was attacking the party over an initiative specifically designed to unite Malay-Muslims.
Akmal directed a cynical remark toward the Islamic party, pointing out that PAS itself had been a close ally of DAP for several years under the former Pakatan Rakyat alliance.
He suggested that such statements from the PAS president would have carried more weight had they been issued during the period when PAS and DAP were partners.
Akmal maintained that Umno remains consistent in pursuing its agenda to unite the community for a higher cause rather than for the benefit of individual leaders.
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