PETALING JAYA: There are positive signs in discussions between PAS and Barisan Nasional on political cooperation, with talks remaining open, says Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
The PAS president said the recent collaboration between the two parties in the Johor and Negri Sembilan polls was a factor in the talks.
“We are always ready to negotiate, including among parties that have strong Malay support,” he said at a press conference yesterday during the 72nd PAS annual muktamar, Sinar Harian reported.
Abdul Hadi was asked to comment on the possibility of working with Barisan in the 16th General Election.
He said the talks are ongoing and had yet to be finalised.
Asked about the party’s prime ministerial candidate for the general election, Abdul Hadi said one had been identified, but it is too early to reveal the individual’s name.
“It is not time. We don’t know yet who will win many seats or who will win just a few,” he said.
The final decision would be made after considering the number of seats won by parties contesting in the election, Abdul Hadi added.
Meanwhile, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did not attend the muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Baru.
Although invited, he said Ahmad Zahid could not attend the gathering due to unavoidable last-minute matters.
“He was represented by Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, which shows a determined effort to make the agenda to unite the ummah a success,” he added.
Kelantan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and Umno state division leaders also attended the meeting.
This was the second time Umno leaders had attended a PAS muktamar in Kelantan since 2019.
