KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 — A large-scale gathering on the Rohingya issue is the first ‘jihad’ between Umno and PAS in promoting and empowering Islam, said a member of the Umno Supreme Council, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 

"The Rohingya issue is a good start in uniting the ummah,” he said after visiting a ‘roti canai and teh tarik’ stall in conjunction with the 2016 Umno General Assembly, here today.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said although they had differing political ideologies, the intention of both parties were the same in the interest of Islam. 

"If the Rohingya issue can become a common ground for Umno and PAS, then there are many other issues concerning Islam that can be promoted together such as the Private Bill to empower the Shariah Court in implementing criminal punishment. 

A solidarity gathering to express the concern of Malaysian citizens on the Rohingya issue is scheduled to be held tomorrow in the federal capital which would be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as well as other leaders including PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. — Bernama