KUALA LUMPUR – In a historic display of political cross-collaboration, eight major political parties representing Malay-Muslim and Bumiputera interests gathered at the UMNO Headquarters in the World Trade Centre (WTC) on Thursday. The meeting, titled “Muzakarah on Islam and Bumiputera Issues,” aimed to find common ground on national identity and religious matters.
The session was chaired by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who acted on behalf of UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The initiative was designed to bring together diverse political entities, regardless of whether they belong to the government or the opposition bloc, to prioritize the interests of the ummah (community) and the status of Islam in Malaysia.
A Unified Platform Across the Divide
The discussion saw participation from a wide spectrum of the Malaysian political landscape. The eight parties involved were:
- UMNO
- PAS
- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
- Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH)
- Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS)
- BERJASA
- Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (KIMMA)
- Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (IKATAN)
During the meeting, Asyraf Wajdi emphasized that while ideological differences are a natural part of a functioning democracy, certain core issues should transcend partisan politics. “Differences in opinion between the government and the opposition are normal. However, when it comes to the sanctity of Islam and the future of the Bumiputera, these must serve as a focal point that unites us all,” he stated in a press release.
Formation of a Permanent Secretariat
The most significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous agreement to establish the Secretariat of the Muzakarah for Core Islam, Malay, and Bumiputera Parties.
This new secretariat is intended to function as a permanent platform for continuous discussion, consultation, and open dialogue. It will specifically address ongoing challenges and interests concerning the position of Islam and the socioeconomic welfare of the Malay and Bumiputera communities in the country.
The move marks a strategic shift toward “mature politics,” where rival parties seek to minimize friction on sensitive national pillars to ensure long-term social stability.
