PAS issues a bold challenge to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. It calls for a public debate rooted in ideas, arguments, and political ethics. No room for personal jabs or showmanship.
The move counters Zahid’s recent suggestion. He said PAS should disband now that Umno prioritised Islam in its 2019 constitution.
PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad posted on Facebook Wednesday. No party needs to dissolve for goals beyond democracy, he wrote.
“Dear friend Ahmad Zahid, ours is a democracy. PAS and Umno contest fairly—no punches or flying chairs. That is not our way.”
“We fight with arguments, ideas, and ethics. Let the people pick winners,” Idris added.
Zahid’s Assembly Remarks
Zahid spoke at Umno’s 2025 General Assembly closing. The event was at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. He recalled late PAS leader Tok Guru Nik Aziz’s prediction.
Nik Aziz foresaw PAS folding if Umno embedded Islam first. Zahid pointed to the 2019 change putting religion ahead of race and nation.
Idris, Perak PAS commissioner, compared records. PAS shed its rural ‘pondok’ image. It now draws youth and thinkers.
GE15 brought PAS 43 Dewan Rakyat seats—a record. From ‘dagang’ tag to ummah hope, he said.
Umno’s tally slid: 109 seats in 2004, 79 in 2008, 88 in 2013, 54 in 2018, 26 in 2022. The drop speaks volumes.
Defending Party Stands
Idris respects Umno grassroots sincerity. Still, he questions Zahid’s idea of a non-political Islamic group. Zahid claimed Cabinet backing.
“Since when does politics need Cabinet nod? Umno has 3.5 million members—why seek ‘abang long’ permission?”
With DAP in Cabinet, PAS sticks to principles. It speaks on Islam democratically, no approvals needed. Voters judge.
Zahid urged Umno to fight back at Digital Politics Symposium 2026. Learn from PAS wins, like GE14, for GE16.
“Best defence is attack,” he said. Update messages, counter narratives, tackle living costs, jobs, housing.
Recent retreats shared voter worries and manifesto gaps across parties.
Idris’s debate call and Zahid’s aggression signal rising PAS-Umno strain. Both chase sway before next elections.
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