"Umno is an Islamic party which has leadership continuity and a clear structure capable of creating harmony not only among Muslim members but the community at large," he was quoted as saying by the Umno Online news portal when paying a courtesy call to Umno Secretary-General Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor at the Umno Headquarters, Tuesday.
In the hour-long visit, Tengku Adnan clarified to the ambassador about Umno's struggles for the religion as provided for under Clause 3.3 of the party's constitution as well as current issues involving religion.
“Umno respects the fact that other religions and communities are allowed to practise their beliefs, but the Islamic context emphasises on strengthening of beliefs to avoid deviation,” said Tengku Adnan.
He said that Umno leaders did not compromise on matters regarding Islamic beliefs, and at the same time, believed that cooperation in a plural society could help the cause of unity despite diversity.
Tengku Adnan also explained on the establishment of Umno in 1946 and its efforts in fighting for independence, and the background which led to the formation of Pas by former Umno members in 1955.
During the visit, Dr Mohammed Mehdi also extended an official invitation to Umno to cooperate with Iranian Members of Parliament and Islamic scholars exchanging of ideas and experiences.
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