KUALA LUMPUR: A senior Umno leader has reiterated that an Umno-Pas alliance can secure a better future for the Malays and Muslims.
Lembah Pantai Umno division chief Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said such a sentiment follows the mellowed stance taken by top Pas leaders towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's administration, despite daily criticism from the opposition.
Raja Nong Chik said in the case of controversies surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Pas spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din and party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had both cast doubts on the allegations and defended Najib's position as prime minister.
"Maybe it is time for us to revisit the idea of a cooperation between Umno and Pas, which is something that can truly benefit Muslims and Malays," said Raja Nong Chik in his speech at his division's meeting held this morning.
Haron had questioned the veracity of The Wall Street Journal's report which alleged a sum of RM2.6 billion from 1MDB was channeled into Najib's personal account, while Hadi earlier had said Najib should stay on as prime minister.
Raja Nong Chik also said his division in Lembah Pantai had been warmly welcomed by Pas members at surau or mosques of late.
"Previously, they won't even look at us and ignore us even if we are from the same congregation. But the situation is different nowadays. They are friendlier and more welcoming than before."
Present to officiate the meeting was Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.