KUALA LUMPUR: On the eve of formalising their pact, PAS and Umno leaders stressed the importance of the Malays uniting, without marginalising the rights of the other races.
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the formal relationship between the two parties showed that the Malays realised they cannot keep fighting among themselves.
“In the end, the victims are our religion and our children,” he said.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called on the people to unite in rejecting the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
He said the PAS-Umno partnership will not mean the rights of other races will be forgotten.
“We’re not against the Chinese or the Indians. We’re not against the Kadazans or Ibans.
“We don’t get to choose our race … it’s Allah that destines it,” he said during a unity gathering at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) on Friday night.
Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the gathering was a statement of rejection against PH, not just a demonstration of power of the two parties.
“This is to ensure Islam is safe in our country, this is to ensure Malays are secure in our country.
“I hope this relationship is not only for today or to win the 15th general election to bring down the PH government, but forever,” he said.
“Our partnership is to defend our religion and people.”
The gathering, which kicked off on Friday morning, will continue on Saturday, featuring speeches by Umno and PAS presidents Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Abdul Hadi Awang. respectively, followed by the signing of a charter to formalise their alliance.