SHAH ALAM - Umno welcomes the advice of PAS Dewan Muslimat, which invited the party to unite under the umbrella of Islamic unity and the Malays, as this will lay the foundation for the unity of the Ummah.
Umno Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said if they are honest and want to forge cooperation, Muslimat Pas can suggest a proposal to their party's top leadership and meet with the Unity government leaders to have a discussion on the matter.
He said Umno has no problem and is open to working with anyone as long as it doesn't go against the party's principle to uphold religion, race, and nation.
"I think there will be no issues. If you want to strengthen the Malays, I request that Pas join the Unity government. Let's not talk about politics; what the people want is political stability, as they are tired of the countless government changes.
"Enough, la, let the government of the day complete its term. This country doesn't only need Malay unification but also the unification of other races," he said when contacted.
On Sunday, Pas Dewan Muslimat chief Nuridah Mohd Salleh issued a statement saying that it is enough for Umno to be under a 'big camp' which is seen as beautiful on the outside but actually dirty inside, for the last six months.
Therefore, she said Umno has to take a brave step to join the right bloc for the sake of survival, religion, race, and country.
Meanwhile, Umno Wanita deputy chief Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim opined that Barisan Nasional, especially Umno's position in the Unity government, will serve as an effective check and balance in preserving the position of Islam and the Malay race through the concept of 'Islam-moderate'.
"Personally, I would like to thank the Pas Dewan Muslimat for remembering and inviting us to join in the unification of Islam and the Malays.
"But I want to remind Nuridah that the Unity government is established on the basis of respect and also to uphold the orders of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after a hung Parliament.
"Nuridah should stop playing the 'racial and religion card' and focus on the real problem, which is the economic challenges and the livelihood of the people, if Pas really wants to win the hearts of the people," she added.