The Malaysian Insight

PAS and Umno’s new pact offers a “new deal for Malaysia”, said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also claimed it’s a solution to the instability and chaos in the country caused by Pakatan Harapan.

The Umno president said the deal forms the foundation of a new political charter between both Malay parties – the biggest in the country by membership.

Both parties are not just seeking to consolidate the Malay vote bank but also work towards wooing non-Muslims.

The charter, called muafakat nasional (national concord), was inked by Zahid and his Pas counterpart, Abdul Hadi Awang, and brings to an end nearly four decades of enmity between the two parties.

The charter also creates a new opposition front ahead of the 15th general election. 

“Umno and PAS are able to come up with a new formula, a new deal to create a peaceful and prosperous country. This is our commitment,” Zahid told tens of thousands of Umno and PAS members who packed the halls of the Putra World Trade Centre.

The “new deal” was one of six thrusts of the charter, Zahid said. The others are:

Forging an accord (muafakat) based on the Islamic sense of faith (aqidah), not on political interests.

Solving the country’s current problems and creating national harmony.

Pursuing alternative checks and balances, and sustainability policies, and ending the “kakitocracy” of the current administration that is pushing the country into becoming a failed state.   

Preserving the rights of all races and upholding the social contract, which is the foundation of the country.  

Maintaining a national Malay leadership based on the principles of Islam. The instability that exists today is because the leadership is not brave and capable.

Zahid said that the muafakat nasional was for all communities and groups, and was stable, inclusive and would bring prosperity to all.

“This accord is for Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Orang Asli, the Siamese, every community in Malaysia.” – September 14, 2019.