Umno leader says ‘Rumah Bangsa’ aligned with Islamic principles

2026-03-13 - 08:35

Umno ulama council deputy chairman Khairuddin Aman Razali said those who reject the party’s ‘Rumah Bangsa’ initiative are merely exploiting religion for political interests. PETALING JAYA: An Umno leader has insisted that the party’s “Rumah Bangsa” initiative is in line with Islamic principles, rejecting claims that the agenda is not rooted in religion. Umno ulama council deputy chairman Khairuddin Aman Razali said such efforts are consistent with Islamic teachings, and that those who reject the initiative on various grounds are merely exploiting religion for political interests. “If any Muslim politician rejects the agenda of uniting the ummah with various excuses and justifications, it only exposes their true colours ... whether they are genuinely fighting for Islamic politics or merely using Islam as a tool for personal political gain,” he told FMT. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said yesterday his party was not prepared to support the initiative to unite the Malays as it is not centred on Islam. He said the conclusion was drawn after observations by the party’s representative who attended a meeting with several political parties which Umno chaired last week. Hadi claimed that the meeting appeared to be an effort to promote Malay unity based on nationalism rather than Islamic principles. Representatives from eight political parties met at Umno’s headquarters to seek common ground on matters involving the Malays, Bumiputeras and Islam on March 5. Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the meeting was attended by representatives from PAS, PKR, Amanah, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Berjasa, Parti Kongres India Muslim Malaysia and Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia. PAS was represented by its secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan.