Malays may lose power in 2 years, warns mufti

Perak's Harussani speaks of signs pointing to a PAS-Umno union.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malays will lose their political power in about two years’ time if their leaders continue to fight against one another, Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria has warned.

In an apparent reference to the 14th general election, Harussani called for the defence of Malay power in the country, saying the maintenance of that power would protect the position of Islam.

“Malay leadership in this country must be defended because that’s where the strength of Islam lies,” he told reporters covering a forum here today.

“If the Malays are defeated, then Islam will too,” he added.

The forum, which discussed “Unity from the Perspective of Ulamas,” was attended by several leaders of PAS and Umno. Harussani said it was held as an effort to bring about a union of the two parties.

“There are signs pointing towards a possible union, although maybe not in the sense of two parties becoming one,” he said. “They can work together on a policy basis. For example, although BN is the government, the other party (Pas) should lend its support if the need arises.”

The three-day forum, which began yesterday, was part of a larger event bringing together the alumni of Cairo’s Al-Azhar University. PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang delivered the keynote address in the presence of Prime Minister Najib Razak.