THE narrative that UMNO cannot collaborate with PAS is not a fixed rule, but rather a matter contingent on political developments, according to UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Speaking at the Second Convocation of the UMNO Patriotic School at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) yesterday, Wan Rosdy said that despite past tensions between the two parties, a future partnership remains conceivable.
“I agree with what the President (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) has said before — if we are to be deceived, let it happen only once and not twice. But in politics, anything can happen. Cooperation with PAS is not impossible.
“That is why the President has said do not close the door completely, yet do not open it too widely either,” he told Berita Harian during the UMNO 2025 General Assembly.
“Collaboration with PAS is not mandatory. It depends on the circumstances and the situation at the time,” Wan Rosdy added.
Calls to revive the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact have surfaced, particularly as the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which includes PAS and BERSATU, experiences internal strain. However, Ahmad Zahid has emphasised that UMNO will not repeat past mistakes in forging partnerships with opposition parties.
Responding to remarks by UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh suggesting that UMNO should withdraw from the Unity Government, Wan Rosdy described the statement as more of an emotional reaction than a strategic position.
He clarified that the party leadership’s rejection of certain suggestions does not inherently imply that those proposals were wrong.
“It is possible that some ideas are not yet suitable for implementation,” he said, underlining the need for pragmatic decision-making.
Wan Rosdy also stressed the importance of UMNO holding governmental power in order to assist the public.
“If we are outside the government, what can we do? Nothing. There is no allocation, no authority, no funds, no platform to help the people. We can only voice opinions, like the young ones say, ‘sembang kari’ — just talk. But to truly serve the rakyat, UMNO must be in government; we need power,” he said.
The vice-president noted that the party’s grassroots members have shown increasing understanding of the Unity Government’s formation.
UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki reported that out of 662 motions submitted by 175 divisions during the UMNO 2025 General Assembly, none proposed leaving the Unity Government, reflecting broad support for the coalition’s ongoing governance.
“With the public already seeing the benefits, it is clear that the grassroots have a better understanding of the purpose and value of the Unity Government,” Wan Rosdy said. - January 14, 2026
