Tok Mat sets rules for pact with Umno, insists on self-reliance, no 'radical' ideology

UMNO AGM | Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has outlined several conditions for those seeking to forge pacts with the party, including accepting its “centrist” position and ambition to become politically self-reliant.

His remarks come amid persistent efforts by PAS to court the BN lynchpin, which has so far appeared receptive to the Islamist party’s overtures as the public awaits an official announcement on potential cooperation in the name of Malay-Muslim unity.

However, Mohamad’s officiating speech at the Umno Youth, Wanita, and Puteri annual general meetings in Kuala Lumpur today suggested that the two parties may have some matters to negotiate.

In particular, he said that as a “moderate nationalist” party that “walks the good middle path”, Umno would not lean towards leftist or rightist policies.

“Whoever wishes to cooperate with Umno must accept our moderation and centrist attitude. You cannot impose your conservative or radical ideology on Umno,” he said.

He stressed that Umno aimed to build a just and united Malaysia for all, regardless of race or religion.

READ MORE: PAS Youth warns of 'price to pay' if Malay-Muslim political split continues

Mohamad also said that while Umno had been in “survival mode” for the past eight years since it first lost power in Putrajaya, its future must be built on “self-reliance”, rather than the calculations or strengths of other parties.

“...as long as we depend on other parties, we are actually still far from recovery. If we rely on others' strength, short-term goals may be achieved, (but) the long-term losses will be far more damaging to Umno.

“Dependence on others is an impaired political formula. Umno has self-respect and dignity that cannot be repaid in kind,” said Mohamad, who is also the foreign minister.

As such, he said Umno wanted the freedom to act according to its own political calculations, adding that the party did not like being bound, nor did it seek to bind others.

Who leads?

Another issue of contention is the question of who will lead the alliance between Umno and PAS, as representatives from both parties argue that their respective camps should spearhead efforts on ummah unity.

In his speech today, Mohamad said any effort to strengthen Malay unity must be rooted in the Rumah Bangsa initiative championed by Umno president and BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“Any Malay political cooperation that is not forged in the spirit and aspiration of the Rumah Bangsa will not benefit Umno.

“Any cooperation must be overseen by Umno, with Umno acting as the foundation and main pillar binding everyone to Malay interests,” he said.

Mohamad justified this by arguing that Umno, having given birth to Malay nationalism, should remain the umbrella that “shelters” those values.

During PAS’ muktamar last week, a delegate from its youth wing urged the Perikatan Nasional component to spearhead Muslim unity efforts, beginning with its mission to wrest Putrajaya.

The call may have irked some Umno figures, particularly given Zahid’s previous expression of ambition to move beyond the deputy prime minister’s post and eventually become prime minister.

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