KUALA LUMPUR: The top leadership in Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Umno and Pas have agreed to strengthen the cooperation among the three parties to avoid the Malay unity agenda from becoming an elusive dream.

In his policy speech at the party's third annual general meeting, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was time for all Malay leaders to put aside their political differences and come together in the spirit of ukhuwah (brotherhood) and mahabbah (love) in addressing the greater issue, which is the unity of the Malay community in the country.

"There should be no split and no clashes (among the three parties) and that (the three parties) cannot go in different directions," said Muhyiddin his speech that was carried live via Bersatu's official Facebook account today.

The prime minister also shared with party delegates on his meeting with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid to deliberate and discuss the tension that existed between the two Malay parties. 

"A few days ago, I had met Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman. We had a heart-to-heart discussion and an honest conversation.

"We realised that there is still room for improvement on the cooperation between Bersatu and Umno.

"Continuous efforts must be made to strengthen the cooperation between Bersatu and Umno from the top leadership level until the divisional and branches levels," he said.

Muhyiddin admitted the tension brewing between Bersatu and Umno placed the two parties in a difficult and challenging situation since both were previously political rivals.

"It has been written in history that Bersatu and Umno were once political enemies. We even contested against each other during the last general election (GE14 in 2018). Hence, the wounds still bleed and the scars are still visible and have yet to recover.

"Nevertheless, the political crisis that unfolded earlier in the year has placed Bersatu and Umno in the same political 'saf' (line or groups). From political enemies, we become allies under the present government.

"I am also aware that there are quarters who feel uneasy with this situation, as if they were forced to cooperate with each other," he said.

Despite the differences, Muhyiddin urged all parties should look at the greater issue, which was the unity of the ummah.

"If we continue to think about the interest of our own kabilah (group), groups and parties, we will forever remain disunited.

"Malay unity will always remain an elusive dream. It will never materialise in our lifetime.

"Instead, let us make good use from the opportunity descended by Allah and strengthen the cooperation among all of us," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2020/11/645127/pm-bersatu-umno-pas-leaders-agree-put-aside-differences-malay-unity