PIAGAM MUAFAKAT NASIONAL

After all kinds of speculations and rumours being spread across the country, UMNO (United
Malays National Organisation) and PAS (Parti Agama Se Malaysia) finally made a charter
that was inked on Saturday at Himpunan Penyatuan Ummah. The courtship of the country’s
once fiercest political rivals has finally come to flags of both parties donning the hall once
sacred to Umno and members singing the same tune — for race and religion.

This unofficial agreement will seriously set a very fierce competition for the 15th General
Elections (GE15) to be called less than four years from now. This cooperation, officially
named Piagam Muafakat Nasional (Nasional Cooperation Charter) is aiming to unite the
Malay-Muslim community which is now seems to be divided as the outcome of political
differences and religious views for more than four decades. We can see a significant working
relationship between the Islamist and the Malay-based party.

Is shocking that two strong and sworn enemies had managed to put aside all of their affairs,
differences in political views and beliefs. Their narrative: From cooperation by spreading the
Islamic and Malay narrative without rejecting the rights of other religions, races and cultures
as the crux of political stability, racial harmony and the country’s prosperity.

Thousands of supporters from both Malay-based parties flooded Putra World Trading Centre
(PWTC) to witness the Signing Ceremony of Piagam Muafakat Nasional by UMNO
President, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PAS President, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi
Awang.

The ceremony became a historical moment between the head-to-head war between both
parties and a moment where they finally unite with peace after being with Barisan Nasional
(BN) in 1973 before being separated about five years after uniting.

Despite the criticisms and the accusations of being hypocrite, UMNO and PAS supporters
have backed the agreement, claiming there are no permanent enemies in politics.

PAS will build a special committee to for the plan to make Muafakat Nasional a reality. PAS
General Secretary, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said, the committee will be conducted by his
Vice President, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and his members. He added that the action
plan will be built according to Piagam Muafakat Nasional and the memorandum of
understading signed by both parties.

References:

1. Azran Fitri Rahim ( 2019, September 19). Muafakat Nasional: pas tubuh
jawatankuasa rangka pelan tindakan. Retrived from https://www.utusan.com.my
2. Azreen Hani ( 2019, September 18). What’s next for piagam muafakat nasional
Retrived from https://themalaysianreserve.com