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KOTA BHARU — Umno-Pas cooperation should not be mistaken for a revival of Muafakat Nasional (MN), but rather as support for efforts that could bring the two largest Malay-Muslim parties closer together, says Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He stressed that the current cooperation was not a continuation of MN, but an effort to support agendas aimed at strengthening Malay unity while promoting political stability in the country.
“This is not Muafakat Nasional. As mentioned by our president, we support any agenda that can ensure the hopes of the Malays, where these two largest parties can have good cooperation,” he said.
Asyraf said the cooperation was important in pursuing a broader national aspiration for a Malaysia that is politically stable, harmonious and prosperous.
“The most important thing is that it can provide a great national aspiration for a country that wants to see a political situation that is more stable, harmonious and prosperous,” he said.
His remarks come as cooperation between Umno and Pas continues to draw attention, with both parties being the two largest Malay-based political parties.
However, Asyraf made clear that any cooperation should not be framed as a return of MN, which was established as a political alliance between Umno and Pas.
Instead, he said Umno would support any agenda that could strengthen cooperation between the two parties and advance the interests of the Malay community and the country.
During the event, Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang stated that Pas and Umno's coalition Barisan Nasional was still in discussions and negotiations on the terms of cooperations.
He told journalists during a press conference that Pas was always open for discussion with any party to find solutions to the 'political turmoil' that has occurred in the country today.
Meanwhile, on Umno’s upcoming general assembly, Asyraf said preparations were well underway, with nearly 7,000 delegates expected to attend.
He said more than 50,000 people, including members of the wider UMNO family, were expected to participate in programmes scheduled from Sept 8 to 12.
Asked whether Umno would invite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to its upcoming general assembly, Asyraf said the party would extend invitations to those who had invited Umno to their respective assemblies.
The response to the programmes so far has been encouraging, he added.
