Bersatu and PAS in GE15 pact, won’t accept new alignments

PETALING JAYA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and PAS have agreed to a partnership for the 15th General Election (GE15) and also made it clear that the pact will not accept any new alignment to form a new government post-election.

In a joint statement yesterday, the secretaries-general at the two parties, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (Bersatu) and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS) said they would cooperate in the next general election.

“Prime Minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Datuk Seri

Abdul Hadi Awang met on Tuesday and decided to form better cooperation and strategies for Perikatan Nasional.

“Bersatu and PAS leaders have agreed to continue to strengthen the cooperation in Perikatan to face GE15.

“Bersatu and PAS, as pioneers of Perikatan, will form a committee at the central level to strategise and decide the direction of both parties for the next general election, including seat negotiations.

“All decisions will be presented to the Perikatan supreme council for approval.

“Bersatu and PAS will reject any new alignment to form a post-GE15 government, especially one which involves Pakatan Harapan and its allies, ” they said in the statement.

They added that both parties were committed to fostering harmony among all races and would fight efforts to jeopardise Perikatan unity.

“We ask all Malay, Muslim and bumiputra organisations and all Malaysians to come together for a better future for the country, ” they said.

Bersatu and PAS are officially registered as components of the Perikatan coalition.

The statement was issued in response to questions raised during the recent Umno general assembly regarding cooperation with the Perikatan government.

Umno is currently cooperating with the Perikatan government but is not part of the coalition.

The party is also part of the Muafakat Nasional pact with PAS.

Yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi posted a cryptic message on social media referencing frogs to hit out at those who were “dual” in nature.

“For those who are Muslims, eating dual nature creatures is forbidden including frogs and freshwater turtles, ” he posted on his Facebook.

Ahmad Zahid said frogs were considered exotic food by some but reminded his followers that Islam forbade the consumption of frogs and soft freshwater turtles as they are amphibious.

“Although I am an avid angler, I have never used frogs as bait.

“This is because some say it’s sinful, ” he said, adding that he had never eaten frogs even if prepared “tiga-style”.

It is believed that Ahmad Zahid might also be referring frogs to party hoppers.