Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has defended the inclusion of non-Muslims in key authorities positions, in response to remarks made by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. Hamidi emphasised that Umno, part of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, has always upheld Malaysia’s multicultural concord, as it’s an Islamic obligation.
“Taking ‘ibrah’ or Pattern from the occasion and in accordance with the current improvement of the country’s politics, the late Dr Siddiq concluded, what non-Muslims need isn’t only ‘zhimmah’ or safety, but somewhat a sharing of power commensurate with their power. This is the Barisan Nasional formula all the time. The difference is now, we are expanding that partnership, with those that have been our opponents all along,” he said in his opening remarks to launch the party’s 2023 common assembly.
Last week, Hadi had called for non-Muslims to be “grateful” for being allowed to make a residing in Malaysia and to let the bulk ethnic group proceed to hold the reins of the country. In response, Zahid emphasised Umno’s reasonable values, stating that the party has always prioritised the Malay and Islamic agenda in their political principles.
Zahid additionally criticised Perikatan Nasional (PN) for not being honest in championing Malay and Islamic causes. He referred to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leaders who are presently being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for the Jana Wibawa programme, which was launched by Muhyiddin’s administration to improve the capability of Bumiputera contractors within the building sector.
“These are the traits of traitors who wrap themselves in the so-called Clean and Stable slogan,” Zahid mentioned, referring to its rival’s motto “Bersih dan Stabil” (Clean and Stable)..