KUALA LUMPUR: An upcoming large-scale gathering on the Rohingya issue is the first 'jihad' uniting Umno and Pas in promoting and empowering Islam, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
"The Rohingya issue is a good start to uniting the ummah," he said after visiting a 'roti canai and teh tarik' stall at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) during the Umno General Assembly here today.
Ismail, who is also the Rural and Regional Development minister, said although the two parties have differing political ideologies, when it comes to Islam, the intention of both parties is the same.
"If the Rohingya issue can become common ground for Umno and Pas, then there are many other issues concerning Islam that can be promoted together, such as the Private Bill to empower the Syariah courts in implementing criminal punishment.
A solidarity gathering to express the concerns of Malaysians on the Rohingya issue is scheduled to be held tomorrow in the federal capital and will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as well as Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. - Bernama