A RARE cross-party political dialogue took place in Kuala Lumpur late Thursday as parties representing Islamic, Malay and Bumiputera interests from both government and opposition blocs gathered for a joint consultation on shared issues.
The meeting, known as the ‘Musyawarah Isu-Isu Islam dan Bumiputera’, was held at the UMNO headquarters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) and brought together representatives from eight political parties.
UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the inaugural session was convened following an initiative by UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“I was entrusted by the UMNO President to chair this first consultation, which was initiated by him to bring together various political parties, regardless of whether they are from the government or opposition blocs, for the benefit of the ummah (Muslim masses) and Islam.
“This consultation serves as an important platform to exchange views openly in order to find common ground on matters concerning shared interests involving Islam, the Malays and Bumiputera in this country,” he said in a Facebook post.
Among the parties participating in the discussion were UMNO, PAS, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), BERJASA, Kongres India Muslim Malaysia (KIMMA) and Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (IKATAN).
Asyraf Wajdi noted that while political rivalry is an inherent feature of Malaysia’s democratic system, certain issues should transcend partisan divisions.
“In reality, within a democratic system, political parties may hold differing views whether they are in the government or opposition blocs.
“Such differences are a natural part of politics. However, when it comes to the interests of Islam, the position of the Malays and the future of the Bumiputera community, these should become a point of convergence that unites us all beyond partisan political differences,” he said.
During the meeting, participating parties also agreed to establish a Secretariat for the Consultation of Islamic, Malay and Bumiputera Core Parties.
The secretariat will serve as a permanent platform to facilitate discussions, negotiations and dialogue in an open, transparent and continuous manner on issues concerning the position of Islam, the Malays and Bumiputera communities in Malaysia. - March 6, 2026
