Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein today challenged PAS to collect more than 2.5 million signatures and gather more than 250,000 people to prove that they are peace-loving people.

Referring to the Malaysians for Peace campaign spearheaded by Umno Youth recently, he said carrying out such projects involving Malaysians was more productive than spouting political rhetoric to gain mileage.

Hishammuddin's gauntlet was thrown in response to PAS Youth chief Mahfuz Omar's dare for a debate o­n "Malay rights".

The Umno Youth chief was asked whether he would take up the challenge from his PAS counterpart following the Feb 16 debate o­n Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) pitting Chenderoh Umno chief Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz against PAS deputy Youth chief Salahuddin Ayob.

A debate o­n "Malay rights" between Hishammuddin and Mahfuz was scheduled two years ago, but called off following an order from the top Umno leadership.

Speaking to reporters after chairing an Umno Youth exco meeting today, Hishammudin said the time for talk is over.

"It's time to get down to do real, concrete work for the people.

"Most of the things brought up during debates are nothing but rhethoric. What is more important to us (Umno Youth) is to do something beneficial for all, like what we did for the Malaysians for Peace campaign," he said.

The campaign culminated with a peace rally at the Bukit Jalil Stadium o­n Feb 23.

More meaningful

"It would be more meaningful if PAS could do something like we did as it will lift the status of our religion and race, as well as helping the Iraqis and Palestinians who are now suffering (due to the absence of peace),"

Hishammuddin added.

"I believe that Mahfuz and his friends in PAS are left behind in this struggle (for peace) and therefore desperately trying to find other means to redeem themselves."

Hishammuddin who is also youth and sports minister said Umno Youth will not follow PAS' style of going for debates, adding that the issue was nevertheless discussed in today's meeting.

He also expressed his disappointment at PAS and Keadilan leaders for not showing their support during the Malaysians for Peace rally.

"Even the DAP which does not use religion as a slogan, officially sent 10 representatives. Where is the voice of PAS and Keadilan which claim that their struggle is for justice?"

To a question, he said Umno Youth will not favour the idea of sending its members to become human shields in Iraq in order to prevent the war.

"Becoming human shields or suicide bombers are o­nly for those who have no other means of expressing themselves," he said.

Police permit

Mahfuz, when contacted, said he had no problem responding to Hishammuddin's challenge.

"Just give us a police permit to hold a gathering in the same venue. We don't mind paying the stadium rental fees and there is no need for public operators to provide free services," he said.

"I am confident we (PAS) can prove than we can gather even more peace-loving people than what Umno Youth has done," said Mahfuz.

The Malaysians for Peace rally, which was attended by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and cabinet ministers, received massive coverage from traditional media.

Apart from obtaining free transport provided by KTM commuter trains and Star LRT, those who attended the rally were also entertained by local and foreign artistes.