Convince non-Muslims that ummah unity not just for Malays, says PAS ulama chief

PAS ulama chief Ahmad Yahaya emphasized that the agenda of uniting the ummah, or Muslim community, should not be perceived as solely benefiting Malays, but rather as a broader coalition. Speaking at the launch of the ulama council’s muktamar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Yahaya stressed that PAS ulamas must work diligently to convince non-Muslims that the party's unity agenda is inclusive and not mere political rhetoric ahead of elections.

He clarified that the concept of ummah unity encompasses all, not just Malays, countering the assumption that it sidelines non-Muslims.

Yahaya acknowledged that one of the main challenges lies in building non-Muslims' trust in PAS's ummah unity agenda, given the racial and political narratives propagated by certain factions. Despite the Negeri Sembilan election's loose and non-binding political cooperation, Yahaya pointed out how it influenced voting patterns, suggesting that the unity agenda could serve as the foundation for a larger coalition, extending beyond electoral cooperation.

The PN-BN alliance's victory in the Negeri Sembilan election, which secured a two-thirds majority, demonstrated this potential for a broader coalition, unlike the previous two-term rule of Pakatan Harapan.

To pursue this agenda effectively, Yahaya advocated for strengthening PAS's religious education, organization, and machinery. He highlighted the crucial role of ulamas in ensuring the message of ummah unity is comprehended by everyone and for building non-Muslims' confidence in the message.