Dr M: PAS-Bersatu collaboration not on the cards

PUCHONG: A collaboration between PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia is not on the cards, although the Islamist party’s leadership have expressed confidence in Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's leadership.

Dr Mahathir stressed that they had not discussed the possibility of collaboration with PAS when its president Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang, secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Terengganu Mentri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar met him recently.

"They only said they would not support Umno in this (Semenyih) by-election, because Umno was not fighting against DAP.

"But they did not say they would support the Pakatan Harapan candidate from Bersatu," he told newsmen after launching the National Community Policy here on Sunday (Feb 17).

Dr Mahathir also clarified he had only received a sample of the support letter endorsed by Takiyuddin.

"I did not receive any letter signed by Hadi and Samsuri.

"I only have one letter," he said, saying they would eventually submit a written endorsement.

Dr Mahathir said they needed to reach an agreement to ensure both sides have representation in village committees, for example.

"In Kelantan and Terengganu, Pakatan Harapan do not have representatives in village committees.

"In states controlled by Pakatan, PAS wants representation in various bodies and local planning," he said.

Dr Mahathir also noted some PAS leaders were on the ground campaigning for the Umno candidate.

Dr Mahathir said Hadi, Takiyuddin and Samsuri told him they would not support Umno "this time" because the party was not facing DAP candidate in Semenyih.

Dr Mahathir said he felt compelled to expose the truth pertaining to the meeting, following denials issued.