Desperate PAS not the kingmaker any more, says Nur Jazlan

PETALING JAYA: Umno is urging PAS to reorganise itself and to make a firm decision on which coalition they want to cooperate with.

Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed (pic) reiterated that the party is not keen to cooperate with PAS any more.

"Since 2017, PAS has been boasting themselves as being the 'kingmaker' in the country's political landscape.

"When Barisan Nasional lost in the 14th General Election, PAS began establishing friendship with Umno on the agenda of ummah unity as they were both in the Opposition during the Pakatan Harapan administration.

"However, after the Sheraton Move, which PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malayisa were involved in and eventually managed to form the government, they began establishing relations under the Perikatan Nasional government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Muhyddin tried to incite PAS to persuade Umno to join Perikatan in order to reinforce his position as prime minister – which PAS did by saying it would strengthen unity of Malays and Muslims.

"But Umno was not easily deceived by PAS and gave then an ultimatum – choose between Umno or Perikatan.

"PAS broke ties with Umno and later realised that its partner in Perikatan – namely Bersatu – was not as good as expected and that they had been used (to further) the political interests of Muhyiddin and his cronies," he said.

He added that PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang also realised that Muhyiddin was a weak leader who stepped down as prime minister after failing to lead the country and the Perikatan coalition.

"PAS and Perikatan failed in two state elections, performing worse than GE14.

"Realising that Bersatu is no longer as strong, they are feeling the pinch for GE15.

"Whenever PAS starts to get desperate, they will repeat the ummah and Muslim-Malay unity narrative again in the name of race and religion," Nur Jazlan said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 4).

Nur Jazlan added that the current PAS is not the party it used to be.

"PAS needs to be aware that they are not as strong as when the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat led the party.

"They are no longer kingmakers, but have become incompetent and neglected.

"Since Abdul Hadi became the president, it has become disorganised.

"I believe even its grassroots members are confused with its leadership and the Muafakat Nasional issue.

"Umno has moved on and wants to compete solo in GE15 – but Abdul Hadi, PAS Syura Council leader Hashim Jasin and deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man are still hoping to try again with Muafakat.

"There have been many statements and affirmations given by Umno leaders who have closed the doors on Muafakat, but PAS leaders do not seem to understand or continue to play deaf," said Nur Jazlan.