UMNO Youth will support any effort to forge new political alliances with any political party, including  arch enemies PAS, said its newly elected chief, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

“We will support the leadership in its quest to find the best formula for any cooperation or alliance among the opposition parties,” Asyraf said in his keynote address at the wing’s gathering this morning.

“I’m aware that there members who are unhappy with cooperating with PAS, saying it appears desperate. But we only talak satu with them in 1978 and we should renew our alliance with them for the sake of all Muslims.”

He said political cooperation with PAS would be aimed at fulfilling the duties of Islam while allowing both parties to retain their identities and principles.

Among those at the opening of the Youth wing’s congress were PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, MIC Youth chief Sivarraajh Chandran and Ikatan Youth chief Shahir Adnan.

Missing was MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon, who missed the opening to attend to an emergency party meeting, Asyraf said.

Asyraf also called for a restructuring of the Barisan Nasional coalition.

“We must forge a new political coalition beyond BN and it must start now. I suggest that a taskforce be formed to represent all the new component parties,” he said.

Asyraf also said it was time for Umno to be more inclusive. 

“Umno must be realistic in realising that its relevance depends on its ability to represent all Malaysians.”

He called on Umno to start actively encouraging more participation from civil society and for more autonomy to be given to its Sabah and Sarawak chapters.

Meanwhile, Wanita chief Noraini Ahmad called on the leadership to start a new coalition to strengthen BN.

“This new alliance of parties must prioritise the pluralistic nature of the country without sidelining any races,” said Noraini.

She said the Umno-PAS cooperation should be seen as an opportunity to unite Muslims and serve as a better way to provide checks and balances in the country. – September 29, 2018.