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UMNO has brushed off criticism of its Rumah Bangsa initiative, with Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan insisting the party’s focus remains firmly on recovery and internal cohesion after electoral defeats.
Speaking to reporters after the UMNO Rembau Parliament Ramadan iftar, Mohamad Hasan emphasised that the party is now stabilising and is “the only party in the country that is harmonious.”
“Right now UMNO is in the process of rising again. We want the party to start from within, and it is the only party in our country that is harmonious.
“We want to build our strength on that foundation of harmony. So, we don’t care if people want to label us a haunted house or anything else, that’s up to them,” he said.
The comments came in response to criticism from PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who described Rumah Bangsa as politically unsafe and likened it to being haunted, endangering its occupants.
Mohamad Hasan dismissed the remarks, noting Abdul Hadi often contradicts his statements with actions. “So, it’s a waste of time for me to comment on what he says,” he said.
In addition, Mohamad Hasan confirmed that UMNO has already discussed preparations for potential state elections in Melaka and Johor, although no official dates have been set.
On the international front, the deputy president also condemned Israel’s closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, which has prevented Palestinian Muslims from performing their Ramadan prayers.
“We have received news that the Israeli Zionist regime, in addition to committing atrocities against Palestinians, killing women, children, and innocent civilians, has taken another reprehensible action during Ramadan by closing the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex to Palestinians who wish to worship,” he said after a separate iftar event with UMNO Rembau leadership.
“This is an immoral act, preventing people from accessing a place of worship that has been used by Muslims for thousands of years.
“Malaysia condemns this action, and I believe many other countries will also denounce this immoral and despicable act.”
Earlier reports highlighted that foreign ministers from eight predominantly Muslim nations—including Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates—issued a joint statement urging Israel to reopen access to the Old City of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mohamad Hasan’s statements underline UMNO’s dual focus: consolidating party unity and strength domestically while also voicing Malaysia’s opposition to international actions perceived as unjust against Muslims. - March 13, 2026