PM: Umno-PAS ‘secret talks’ do not reflect party’s official stand

KUALA LUMPUR: The ‘secret talks’ between Umno and PAS as reported recently may have been unofficial discussion and does not reflect Umno’s stand, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).

“Anyone from Umno can go and meet anyone from PAS to talk. But the discussion will only be legitimate and become the party’s stand when decided on by the leadership,” he said on Thursday (Sept 8).

“Umno would decide who should be the representative for the talks, if they go on the individual capacity, they shouldn’t be assumed as the party’s representative,” added the Umno vice-president.

PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin was reported to have confirmed that secret discussions between the party and some Umno leaders were held to ensure straight fights with Pakatan Harapan in the 15th General Election.

He said that the party was trying to convince Umno that the real enemy was the Opposition coalition, not Bersatu.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also said that talks were held with certain Umno leaders who could persuade the party leadership on the matter.

Ismail Sabri said a proposal to have talks to avoid clash of Umno and PAS at critical seats would be considered by the party leadership.

“It is (the talk) is important to avoid losing the hot seats to the Opposition, Pakatan Harapan.

“If there's a clash (between Umno and PAS), we are afraid that Pakatan will win those seats.

“So, it is important for us to study the proposal. And as I mentioned the decision will only be decided by Umno supreme councils,” he told newsmen after launching the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas).

On the demand by Perikatan Nasional for the deputy Prime Minister post, Ismail Sabri reiterated that the current positions of Senior Ministers were as equal as the post.

“As I have explained previously, I assumed that the Senior Ministers posts were equal to the deputy PM positions. The treatment they received is also almost the same as a deputy PM.

“What’s important is to focus on the plight of the rakyat, while helping the recovery of our economy,” he said.