Thousands throng PWTC to witness signing of Umno-PAS pact

(The Star) – Thousands of supporters from PAS and Umno thronged Putra World Trade Centre on Saturday (Sept 14), as the two former political rivals are set to form a historical cooperation.

Supporters, with men donned in white and women wearing red headscarves, were seen gathering at PWTC, Umno’s headquarters, as early as 8am on the second day of Himpunan Penyatuan Ummah 2019 (Ummah Unity Gathering).

Traders were also seen setting up booths selling food and party memorabilia inside and outside of PWTC.

As the speeches by top leaders from both parties began, supporters were even seen spilling out onto the main road, given the sheer amount of supporters who turned up at PWTC.

An unnamed Umno supporter told The Star that this was the biggest crowd PWTC had seen in many years.

“Even the previous Umno general assemblies weren’t able to pull a crowd this size,” he added.

Some PAS supporters even spent the night here, as they slept inside the PWTC after attending the first day of the Himpunan Perpaduan Ummah on Friday (Sept 13).

“My back hurts but it is all worth it. We need to unite at times like this,” said a PAS supporter.

The two parties are set to sign an official charter to make their political cooperation official.

Pakatan Harapan leaders have criticised the pact as championing Malay-centric interests and accused the cooperation as sidelining other races.