PAS’s rejection of ‘Rumah Bangsa’ call seen as setback for Malay unity initiative

THE decision by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) to reject participation in the ‘Rumah Bangsa’ initiative has been described by AMANAH as a failure to support efforts to establish a platform for Malay unity across political divides.

AMANAH’s Communications Director Khalid Abdul Samad said that PAS’s choice to boycott Rumah Bangsa sends a negative signal, undermining the platform’s goal of fostering solidarity and dialogue among Malay parties.

“The establishment of Rumah Bangsa is meant to provide a space for Malay parties to meet and discuss matters collectively. From my perspective, there is no harm in this initiative, contrary to the fears expressed by PAS,” he told reporters.

Khalid added that PAS’s approach reflects a broader reluctance to cooperate.

“PAS has failed in this effort because the party insists that only initiatives led by PAS are legitimate, yet it cannot accept others leading and participating in such efforts. That is the problem,” he said.

He noted the apparent contradiction within PAS leadership, pointing out that the party’s Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, attended the first Rumah Bangsa Unity Committee meeting in early March, only for the initiative to receive a negative response from PAS President, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, afterwards.

“In my view, the statement issued by the PAS President was unwise and counterproductive. Efforts to do good should be welcomed by all parties,” Khalid said at a press briefing following the KADA Media Engagement dinner in Kelantan.

Khalid also remarked that attempts to unite efforts for the common good will inevitably face challenges or naysayers, but warned that parties should resist such influence rather than be swayed.

PAS had previously stated that it was unwilling to join the Rumah Bangsa initiative proposed by UMNO, with President Abdul Hadi characterising the platform as an unstable political structure.

He likened the initiative, introduced by UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to a damaged shield incapable of providing adequate protection for those under its framework. - March 18, 2026