PAS still pushing Malay unity

PETALING JAYA: Umno and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia must work out their differences if they want political stability after the 15th General Election (GE15), says PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (pic).

He said both parties should also be flexible in the discussion of electoral seats for GE15.

He said PAS would continue to push for unity among the three Malay-based parties ahead of GE15 and would not give up despite being on the brink of a snap election pushed by Umno.

“The PAS central working committee decided the party will continue its efforts to unite the ummah, which involves the commitment of the three Malay-based parties to face GE15 and to ensure political stability in the country post-election.

“PAS is of the view that there must be flexibility in the talks between Umno and Bersatu, including the terms put forward and seat discussion, which is being carried out,” he said in a statement after the PAS central working committee meeting at its party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Abdul Hadi further reiterated that PAS-ruled states would not dissolve their state assemblies to hold elections until March next year.

“PAS, which rule Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, will not raise the issue of dissolving the three state assemblies in the near future but will focus on preparations for the monsoon season, which is expected to hit in mid-November and last till March next year,” said Abdul Hadi.

He also said the decision was to enable economic recovery post-Covid-19.

PAS vice-president and Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar also said the three Malay-based parties needed to avoid three-cornered battles.

He said in GE15, all political analysts were of the view that Pakatan Harapan would have the upper hand in between 27 and 31 multi-cornered contests.

“There is no doubt Perikatan and Barisan want this outcome.

“For sure, Perikatan (or PAS) needs to convince Umno and Barisan that we need to find a formula to avoid a three-cornered fight,” said Ahmad Samsuri.

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also said there was an urgent need for Umno and Bersatu to come together for the sake of the Malay community.

“The muafakat (togetherness) between these three parties and the give and take must be done by looking at the big picture for the sake of the Muslims – that is what we mean by flexibility,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

PAS is an official component of the Perikatan Nasional coalition with Bersatu but is also a member of the loose coalition of Muafakat Nasional with Umno.

However, Umno at its last general assembly had sworn off working with Bersatu in the next election.

The three parties, however, are all members of the government coalition.