Umno Pas Charter Moderate In Line With Federal Constitution Says Analyst

---

Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya says the PAS-Umno alliance is not a threat to the nation’s multiracial community.PETALING JAYA: The charter signed between Umno and PAS, formalising the cooperation between the country’s two largest Malay Muslim parties, is “moderate” in nature, despite initial fears it would have extreme leanings, a political analyst said
Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the charter, in fact, was based on the spirit of the Federal Constitution
“It was not too focused on Islam. Contrary to claims the union (between PAS and Umno) posed a threat to Malaysia’s multiracial community, the charter took a central right approach
“It was neither too left nor right,” he told FMT
Awang described the left as being linked to socialism and progressivism, while the right equated with capitalism and conservatism
He said he found the moderate approach taken by the two parties as surprising as many feared their alliance would impact race relations
Azmi Hassan of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.The national unity charter – Piagam Muafakat Nasional – signed by the PAS and Umno presidents yesterday seeks to uphold the interest of the Malays, Islam as the official religion, and Malay as the national language.
It vows to restore the confidence of the people in the “leadership of Islam, the Malays and the Bumiputeras”
Awang also said it was clear that the PAS-Umno alliance was meant to take on Pakatan Harapan and not challenge the non-Malays
The two parties, he said, were aware that apart from issues related to the Malay community, votes were also unhappy with the ruling coalition, especially when it came to education and the civil service
“They are offering an alternative to the rakyat,” he said
He also saw the charter as a re-branding of the opposition brand whose narrative will revolve around the people’s dissatisfaction with Putrajaya
However, he said the two parties will push youth leaders to the fore, while Umno needs to address the infighting
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Azmi Hassan says the alliance will put PH under pressure, especially its two components PPBM and Amanah, which are tasked with wooing the Malay electorate
He cited the increasing support for the opposition in the recent by-elections at Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau
He said PH has failed to win the support of the Malays despite being in power for over a year. - FMT

---