Malaysia

PAS keeps door open to ‘Grand Malay-Muslim Umbrella’ despite past setbacks

Deputy president Tuan Ibrahim says unity remains possible in theory but warns divisions within the ummah make revival of past alliances increasingly difficult

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 17 Feb 2026 11:25AM

PAS keeps door open to ‘Grand Malay-Muslim Umbrella’ despite past setbacks
Previous effort did not succeed as no consensus was reached among the parties involved - February 17, 2026

THE deputy president of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, has insisted the party will not abandon efforts to forge a broad Malay-Muslim political alliance, saying it remains “still not impossible” to establish a “grand Malay-Muslim umbrella” coalition.

In a Facebook post, Tuan Ibrahim called for a renewed commitment to unity grounded in Islamic principles, while acknowledging that attempts to unite PAS with United Malays National Organisation and Malaysian United Indigenous Party ahead of the 15th General Election had failed to secure consensus.

“PAS is of the view that efforts to revive existing political cooperation will still leave scars if not handled wisely.

“The experience of facing GE15 saw a major aspiration to unite three main parties — Pas, Umno and Bersatu — to form a Malay-Muslim political force.

“However, that effort did not succeed as no consensus was reached among the parties involved.

“In the current situation, the question arises whether there is still an opportunity to form a ‘grand Malay-Muslim umbrella’ capable of uniting all who wish to be under its protection.

“In theory, it is not impossible. In reality, however, it becomes increasingly challenging so long as division continues to weaken the ummah,” he said.

He observed that internal crises are not uncommon within organisations, but noted that political parties are particularly vulnerable because their disputes unfold under constant public scrutiny.

“Internal strife occurring in any political party today is neither unique nor isolated.

“Whatever may happen within an organisation, every conflict should be addressed by returning to the principle of unity as decreed by Allah SWT,” he said, citing a verse from Surah Āli-ʿImrān (3:103) of the Quran.

“This verse should serve as a clear and decisive foundation for unity. The primary condition for achieving unity is to return to holding firmly to the religion of Allah. Unity based on faith (aqidah) is the foundation demanded in Islam.

“The ummah has long witnessed disputes that ultimately harm all parties. Partisan political crises seem endless.

“Recognising this reality, Pas will not give up in urging efforts toward ummah unity. Where there is effort, there is a way.

“Truth may be slow to triumph, but it will certainly arrive. Falsehood, no matter how firm it appears, will collapse when its time comes. That is Allah's promise, which must be believed.”

His remarks come amid renewed turbulence within the opposition bloc. On Sunday, Tuan Ibrahim said Perikatan Nasional would deliberate on the position of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin as opposition leader following his dismissal from Bersatu.

Hamzah, the Member of Parliament for Larut, was sacked on Friday after being accused of attacking Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, further fuelling uncertainty over the future configuration of the opposition. - February 17, 2026

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