Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has openly called for a PAS-Umno merger at a rally organised by the two parties.
"Dear (PAS president) Abdul Hadi Awang, God willing, under my leadership, let us bercantum (merge).
"Let us merge, let us set aside our differences in the name of Islam, Malays, Malaysia and bumiputera," Zahid said to applause from the crowd in Pasir Salak, Perak last night.
He said it was a mistake for Umno and PAS to be enemies in the past, for which he blamed a "grandfather".
"Sixty-one years of Umno rule, and this atuk (grandfather) ruled for 22 years.
"He taught us to hate PAS, DAP, and other parties. But now they are kissing each other. For 22 years we were lied to," Zahid said.
Former Umno president and current prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's first stint as premier lasted 22 years.
Zahid's overtures, however, were not reciprocated by PAS president Hadi who spoke after him.
Hadi made no mention of Zahid's offer to merge, and instead reiterated PAS and Umno's objection to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).
Both parties earlier announced that they will hold an anti-Icerd protest in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8.
Last night's rally was dubbed Himpunan Perpaduan Ummah (United Faithfuls Rally).
Zahid said more such rallies are to follow, as Umno supreme council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has been tasked with organising one in each state in the peninsula. - Mkini
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