PM: Only Umno leaders can decide on pact

KUALA LUMPUR: The “secret talks” between Umno and PAS to thwart Pakatan Harapan in the 15th General Election may just be unofficial discussions and do not reflect Umno’s stand, says one of the party’s vice-presidents, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“Anyone from Umno can go and meet anyone from PAS to talk. But the discussions will only be legitimate and become the party’s stand when decided on by the leadership,” said the Prime Minister.

He also said Umno would decide on who should be its representatives for any such talks.

“If they go in their individual capacity, they shouldn’t be assumed to be the party’s representatives,” he told the press after launching the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) here yesterday.

Ismail Sabri was asked to comment on reports about PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin claiming that secret discussions had been held with some Umno leaders to ensure there would be straight fights with Pakatan in the coming polls.

Hashim reportedly said the party was trying to convince Umno that the real enemy was the Opposition coalition, not Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

In 2019, PAS and Umno sealed a Muafakat Nasional pact to go against Pakatan, then the ruling coalition.

Although they are partners in the Federal Government, ties between them became strained after PAS opted to go with Perikatan Nasional led by Bersatu in the Melaka and Johor state elections.

Last weekend, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan also told reporters at the party’s muktamar that such talks, both official and unofficial, were going on.

Ismail Sabri said a proposal to have talks to avoid clashes between Umno and PAS in critical seats would be considered by the party leadership.

“It is important to avoid losing the hot seats to Pakatan. If there’s a clash (between Umno and PAS), we are afraid that Pakatan will win those seats,” he said.

“So, it is important for us to study the proposal. And as I mentioned, the decision will only be decided by the Umno supreme council.”

On the demand by Perikatan for the Deputy Prime Minister’s post, Ismail Sabri reiterated that the current positions of Senior Ministers are already its equivalent.

“As I have explained previously, I assume that the Senior Ministers’ posts are equal to that of the Deputy PM. The treatment they receive is also almost the same as a Deputy PM’s.

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

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, met by the press at the event, said he was unaware of any secret talks as claimed by PAS.

“It might be among the members at the higher level,” he said.

He said both Umno and PAS have always talked with each other about the importance of unity.

“As a party member, I follow anything that’s decided by the party,” the Arau MP added.