Malay unity efforts should start with Rumah Bangsa, PAS told

 Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros says the wing hopes PAS’s efforts to foster Malay unity would be carried out sincerely and not merely as an electoral strategy.

Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros said PAS’s decision on whether to contest independently or cooperate with others in the state election would serve as a litmus test of the Islamic party’s sincerity. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Johor Umno Youth has urged PAS to embrace the Rumah Bangsa initiative as a platform for uniting Malays, in response to the Islamic party’s proposal that efforts to unite Malay-based political parties should begin in Johor ahead of the upcoming state election.

Its chief, Noor Azleen Ambros, told FMT that Johor Umno Youth welcomed PAS’s intention and aspiration to foster Malay unity, but hoped the effort would be carried out sincerely and not merely as an electoral strategy.

He said PAS’s decision on whether to contest independently or cooperate with others in the Johor state election would serve as a litmus test of the Islamic party’s sincerity.

“The choice is entirely up to PAS,” he told FMT.

Yesterday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called on PAS and Umno to work together in the Johor state election, describing it as the right time to revive their now-defunct Muafakat Nasional alliance.

Tuan Ibrahim said cooperation between the country’s two largest Malay-Muslim parties was needed and that the state polls could usher in a new political realignment.

“In that regard, Johor Umno Youth’s suggestion is for PAS to consider Rumah Bangsa as a platform to pursue that goal,” Noor Azleen said.

An Umno initiative, Rumah Bangsa provided an open platform for anyone wishing to return to or join the party, whether individually or as part of a group.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang previously said his party was not prepared to support the initiative to unite the Malays as it is not centred on Islam.

Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed claimed PAS was raising the issue of Malay unity only at a time when Perikatan Nasional was in a weakened position.

According to him, the issue of MN was never seriously discussed when PN was in power.

“Now that they are in the opposition and weakened, with PN fractured and facing a shortage of resources ahead of the next election, they have suddenly begun talking about Malay unity,” he said.

The senator also took aim at what he described as PAS’s long-standing political approach of “using Islam as a tool to divide the Malays”.

The Johor state assembly was dissolved on Monday, paving the way for the 16th Johor state election, which must be held within 60 days.

Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and PN have said they will be contesting all 56 seats. - FMT