Zahid proposes 'grand collaboration' of Malay-Muslim parties

 

UMNO AGM | Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today proposed a motion to form a "grand collaboration" to unite all Malay and Islamic-based parties in Malaysia.

However, Zahid stressed that the proposed grand coalition would be subject to one key condition: that it must not disrupt or undermine the coalition government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

"I seek the agreement of all delegates present for us to form a grand collaboration to unite all Malay and Islamic parties across the country under a single collaborative coalition, with no intention of undermining the existing unity government.

"There have been inquiries and extended proposals (to collaborate with Umno). With this, those inquiries and proposals are officially accepted, on the condition that it does not disrupt or undermine the existing unity government.

"We want this grand collaboration to truly unite the spirit and struggle of Malay-Islamic parties within a larger framework," he said.

Zahid made the proposal during his winding-up speech at the conclusion of the general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

He further explained that the "grand coalition” being proposed does not require any party to dissolve its existing organisation, but instead encourages informal cooperation as a starting point.

"With this grand collaboration, we will set aside our differences. For the sake of Islam and for the sake of the Malays, we must stand under the same roof.

"The prime minister has nothing to worry about. I have no agenda to stab anyone in the back or to undermine the unity government. This is solely intended to translate Umno’s sincerity in embracing all Malay-Islamic parties under one roof for the interests and agenda of the Malays and Islam,” Zahid said.

The deputy prime minister then asked Umno delegates present whether they accepted or rejected the motion to form the grand collaboration.

The request was met with unanimous support as delegates shouted "agree" three times.

Open to Malay and Islamic NGOs

Meanwhile, Zahid said the early stage of discussions on the grand cooperation would involve 10 top leaders of political parties.

When asked whether Umno had met with PAS and Bersatu to discuss the cooperation, Zahid said it had happened before.

"Yes, there was a meeting not too long ago," he said briefly.

He said the loose cooperation is also open to Malay and Islamic NGOs.

Zahid added Umno rejected reviving Muafakat Nasional because it has been registered as an NGO. - Mkini