PETALING JAYA: Two unity government leaders have hit out at PAS for snubbing Umno’s “Rumah Bangsa” initiative to unite the Malays, accusing the Islamic party of practising partisan politics.
Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil said PAS’s decision to spurn the initiative shows the party puts political interest above unity.
“They are sceptical of initiatives by their rivals and view them with prejudice, even though Islam encourages unity and the welcoming of such initiatives without reservation.
“This proves that PAS is not a good ally, as it puts itself above political stability,” he told FMT.
On Thursday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party rejected Umno’s “Rumah Bangsa” initiative on the grounds that Islam was not at its core.
Hadi said this conclusion was drawn by PAS based on the observations of its representatives who attended a meeting chaired by Umno with several political parties last week.
Alhough DAP was not part of the initiative, he said, “we can read between the lines”.
Hadi said PAS was sticking to its principle of joining forces with trusted allies who would not obstruct the “struggles of Islam”, accusing Umno of befriending anyone who would help the party gain power.
Separately, Kepong Umno chief Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman criticised Hadi’s “uncompromising” stance and pointed out that the “Rumah Bangsa” framework was aimed at uniting Muslims.
“I did not expect him to be so rigid in his ways that he would cast aspersions on fellow Muslims.
“He is spiteful,” he said in a Facebook post.
On March 5, representatives from eight political parties met at Umno’s headquarters to seek common ground on matters involving the Malays, Bumiputeras, and Islam.
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the meeting was attended by representatives from PAS, PKR, Amanah, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Berjasa, Parti Kongres India Muslim Malaysia, and Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia.
PAS was represented by its secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan.
