Johor polls: PAS’ decision to work with Bersatu could close doors on Muafakat Nasional, says Ahmad Maslan

JOHOR BARU: PAS' decision to work with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) under the Perikatan Nasional banner in the Johor polls could potentially close the door on Muafakat Nasional, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

The Umno secretary-general said PAS’ move to work with Bersatu seemed to indicate the Islamist party was looking at ending the Muafakat Nasional relationship.

"It seem like they wanted to end Muafakat Nasional. It was not us who did so but it was them.

"They wanted to repeat what happened in the Melaka election.

"Previously, we had never made any final decision on Muafakat Nasional but on Saturday (Jan 29), PAS decided to be with Bersatu under Perikatan Nasional, so I don't see any more room (for cooperation)," he said.

He also noted that the PAS decision was not surprising and that Barisan Nasional has been prepared for any possibility in the state election.

"This does not mean that we are overconfident. We need to continue working hard in this election," he said.

On Saturday (Jan 29), Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that Perikatan Nasional parties will be contesting the Johor election using the coalition’s logo.

He said that this was one of the resolutions agreed at the Bersatu and PAS two-day "muzakarah" (discussion) session, which ended on Saturday (Jan 29).