KUALA LUMPUR — Leaders from eight Malay- and Islam-based political parties gathered today at Umno headquarters for the inaugural Musyawarah Isu-Isu Islam dan Bumiputera. This historic bipartisan dialogue aimed at uniting voices across the political spectrum on issues of common concern.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Umno, PAS, PKR, Amanah, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Berjasa, Kimma, and Parti Ikatan Bangsa (Ikatan).
Umno Secretary-General Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, appointed by Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, chaired the session.
Among the key figures present were Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, PAS Secretary-General; Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Umno Supreme Council Member; Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Higher Education; and Syed Ahmad bin Syed Abdul Rahman Al-Hadad, President of Parti Ikatan Bangsa (IKATAN), along with other senior party leaders.
Asyraf hailed the gathering as a significant step towards bridging divides between government and opposition blocs.
“In a democracy, political differences are natural. But when it comes to matters of Islam, the position of the Malays, and the future of the Bumiputera, these should be points of convergence that unite us beyond partisan lines,” he said in a statement.
The participants agreed to establish a permanent Secretariat for the Musyawarah, aimed at facilitating ongoing dialogue, consultation, and cooperation on issues affecting Islam, Malay identity, and Bumiputera welfare.
Asyraf underscored the initiative’s importance, emphasising a collective commitment to prioritise the welfare of the ummah and seek common ground despite political differences. – March 5, 2026