PUTRAJAYA: Umno’s “heart” is not open to working with PAS again for now, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said that what had happened in the past had resulted in Umno not wanting to open the door for this possibility again.
“As of now, Allah has not opened our hearts for cooperation with them,” he said on Wednesday (Dec 2).
Ahmad Zahid said Umno has yet to be approached by PAS and was of the view that the Islamist party wanted to explore this possibility after having the experience of being part of the government.
“They must be feeling the pain as despite having many seats, PAS is the Opposition. Cooperation with PAS is not on the cards for now. They should just stop daydreaming (of forging cooperation with Umno),” he said.
Ahmad Zahid was commenting on reports quoting PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had said that his party was open to working with Umno again despite the “bitter” history between them.
He maintained that the party had never sidelined the agenda of fostering unity through the ummah.
However, any collaboration with Umno must be through the Perikatan Nasional platform, which also includes Bersatu, said Tuan Ibrahim.
Umno and PAS joined forces after the 14th General Election, forming the Muafakat Nasional pact during their time in the Opposition.
However, tension escalated after PAS joined the Bersatu-led Perikatan, leading Umno to exit from the Muafakat pact.
