Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hopes PAS will dissolve itself, now that Umno has amended its constitution to uphold Islam as a core purpose.
Zahid recalled a 2008 remark by late PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat.
Nik Aziz had said PAS would dissolve if Umno ever made Islam the basis of its constitution.
Honoring a Directive
“When the late Nik Aziz said that if Umno at some point placed Islam as the foundation of its constitution, PAS would be dissolved, I took it as a directive,” Zahid said at the Malaysian Islamic Scholars Multaqa closing ceremony here today.
“That is why, when I assumed Umno leadership, the first thing I did was address Islam in Umno’s constitution. But PAS has not dissolved yet. I hope it will on its own.”
Nik Aziz’s Original Proposal
In July 2008, Nik Aziz suggested Umno and PAS dissolve to form a new Islam-based party uniting Malays and welcoming all, including non-Muslims.
“Umno dissolves, PAS dissolves too, and a new party is formed, provided it is based on Islam,” he said after officiating the 37th Kelantan PAS Ulama Council Congress in Machang.
Umno’s 2019 Amendment
Umno revised Article 3 in 2019.
The original stated: “Umno is a political party that fights to uphold the national aspirations of the Malays and to uphold the dignity and stature of race, religion, and country.”
The updated version reads: “…to uphold the dignity and stature of Islam, race, and country.”
Defending Umno’s Record
Zahid defended Umno’s commitment to Islam, denying any rejection or exploitation of the faith.
“Islam has been elevated through Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, while the role of the Malay rulers as guardians of religion is strengthened under Article 38.
“This is a major Umno achievement that must never be forgotten,” he said.
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