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PAS has extended a direct challenge to UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, inviting him to a public debate grounded in ideas, arguments and political ethics, rather than personal attacks or theatrics.
This comes after Ahmad Zahid suggested that PAS should consider disbanding because UMNO, he argued, had prioritised Islam in its party constitution as early as 2019.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, PAS Vice-President Datuk Idris Ahmad stressed that there is no need for either party to dissolve to achieve political objectives outside the democratic framework.
“Dear friend Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid, our country is a democracy. PAS and UMNO do not need to dissolve. Let us contest on the democratic stage, not with punches or thrown chairs — that is another culture altogether.
“We contest through arguments, ideas and ethics as politicians. Let the people decide who they wish to choose,” Idris wrote.
Ahmad Zahid, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Multaqa Ilmuwan Islam Malaysia during UMNO’s 2025 General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, claimed that former PAS spiritual leader, the late Tok Guru Nik Aziz, had predicted that PAS would dissolve if UMNO embedded Islam in its party constitution. He highlighted the 2019 constitutional amendment, which positioned religion before race and nation.
Idris, who is also PAS Commissioner for Perak, compared the achievements of both parties and noted that PAS has steadily broadened its appeal. Once viewed as a party confined to ‘pondok-school’ and rural constituencies,
PAS has now gained the support of youth and intellectual communities.
“The 15th General Election saw PAS winning 43 parliamentary seats, the highest in the Dewan Rakyat. Once labelled ‘dagang,’ today PAS is seen as a champion and hope for the ummah.
By contrast, UMNO’s parliamentary performance has declined over successive elections: 109 seats in 2004, 79 in 2008, 88 in 2013, 54 in 2018 and 26 in 2022. The trend is clear,” Idris said.
While stressing that he harbours no ill intent towards UMNO and recognising the sincerity of many grassroots members, Idris expressed concern over Ahmad Zahid’s remark that UMNO would invite PAS to join an organisation focusing on Islamic agendas outside politics, allegedly with Cabinet approval.
“Since when does a political agenda need Cabinet approval? UMNO has around 3.5 million members — why must its agenda as ‘abang long’ seek permission?
“Moreover, the Cabinet includes DAP ministers. PAS remains committed to its principle: to speak about Islam on the democratic stage without needing anyone’s approval and to leave the final judgment to the people,” Idris said.
Zahid, meanwhile, emphasised that UMNO must be proactive in defending itself and challenging opponents to remain politically relevant. Speaking at the UMNO Digital Politics Symposium 2026, he noted that the party must learn from PAS electoral defeats, particularly the 14th General Election, and refine its strategies ahead of the 16th General Election.
“The most effective way to defend ourselves is to attack,” Zahid said, urging his party to update its messaging, counter opponents’ narratives and address public concerns on issues such as cost of living, unemployment, and housing.
He cited recent government retreats, where leaders across party lines presented analyses of their constituents’ anxieties and assessed party manifestos for common and divergent policy issues.
Idris’s call for debate and Ahmad Zahid’s push for assertive political engagement underscore a growing tension between PAS and UMNO as both parties seek to consolidate influence ahead of Malaysia’s next general elections. - January 14, 2026