Asyraf: Umno green lights talks with all parties, warns against 'threats, intimidation'

Umno has given the green light for its state leadership to hold talks with political parties interested in cooperation ahead of the next elections.

In a statement after the Umno supreme council meeting last night, secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said any negotiations must be based on sincerity and trust, rather than threats or intimidation.

The party also reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and the presumption of innocence amid a series of recent graft-related developments involving figures linked to Umno and BN.

“Any action intended to humiliate or disgrace a person, including creating the perception that an individual who has only just been detained for investigation is already guilty, is contrary to the principles of justice, the presumption of innocence and the spirit of the rule of law.

“Umno has consistently maintained that the party will never defend any misconduct, misappropriation or wrongdoing committed by any party, including party members and leaders, who must be brought to justice through the legal process,” he said.

While Asyraf did not name any individuals, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Thursday pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to fully declare assets to the MACC, including millions of ringgit in local and foreign currencies and precious metals.

On the same day, a former senior Umno leader who also previously chaired Tabung Haji was remanded for seven days to assist an MACC investigation arising from findings of the royal commission of inquiry into the pilgrimage fund.

AGM invitation to PAS

In another development, Asyraf said Umno had agreed to invite PAS’ top leadership to attend the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 9 to 12.

He said the invitation was a gesture of respect and reciprocated PAS’ invitation to Umno leaders to attend the party’s annual muktamar in Kota Bharu.

The move comes as Umno considers potential electoral cooperation with other parties.

“Umno takes note of various empirical studies conducted by agencies, researchers and academics that point to public sentiment, particularly among Malays, who hope that Muslim unity can be realised and that Malay primacy will form the core of the country’s political stability,” he said on the party’s move towards future electoral pacts.

Asyraf added that three programmes would be held on Sept 8, a day before the general assembly begins - the 2026 Malay Education Convention, the Malaysian Islamic Scholars Multaqa and the Creative Women’s Pavilion.

All three events will be open to the public.

The supreme council meeting also saw the appointment and swearing-in of Ismail Lasim as a council member.

PN chair hints at Malacca polls in 2 months, Hadi says seat talks with BN ongoing

Opposition allocations: Let Harapan taste its own medicine in N Sembilan, PAS says

Harapan pushes back as Umno-PAS seek new tit-for-tat Tabung Haji RCI

Malacca Bersatu signals willingness to work with Harapan amid BN-PN talks

Ahead of Malacca polls, Hadi outlines PAS' 'sacrifice' for BN