PAS has moved to quell speculation over a potential electoral pact with UMNO, stressing that ongoing discussions between leaders from both parties have yet to yield any formal agreement despite growing political interest ahead of several key state elections.
PAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said claims that UMNO had offered the Islamist party electoral seats or appointments to specific positions as part of a broader understanding were unfounded and remained nothing more than speculation.
"So far there has been no decision in the ongoing cooperation talks, and even the claims regarding offers of seats and appointments to certain positions are merely rumours," he told BH when contacted on Sunday.
His remarks come amid increasing scrutiny over efforts by a joint internal committee comprising leaders from PAS and UMNO to explore areas of cooperation, particularly ahead of the Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka state elections.
Tuan Ibrahim, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN), reiterated that PAS remains committed to contesting the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
"We have already launched our election machinery and are now focusing on winning the seats we contest," he said.
The comments were made in response to reports suggesting that UMNO had offered PAS a number of state and parliamentary constituencies in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka as part of an arrangement aimed at preventing direct contests between the two parties during the state polls and the 16th General Election.
Attempts to obtain confirmation from Barisan Nasional leaders regarding the alleged offers have so far gone unanswered.
Earlier, Barisan Nasional Chairman and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that a recent meeting involving leaders from PAS and UMNO had taken place. However, he said the discussions focused solely on possible forms of collaboration that could contribute to maintaining political stability in the country.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the meeting did not involve party presidents, nor did it touch on any proposal to revive Muafakat Nasional 2.0.
Meanwhile, PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang disclosed recently that any final decision concerning electoral strategy, seat distribution and the use of party logos in the Johor state election would only be determined after a special briefing involving PAS Johor leaders scheduled for Monday.
For the Johor state election, Perikatan Nasional has already resolved to contest all 56 state assembly seats, while leaving open the possibility of forging an electoral alliance involving the participation of MUDA and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (PEJUANG).
The latest developments underscore the fluid nature of opposition and government coalition dynamics as political parties position themselves for a series of crucial electoral contests that could shape the landscape leading into the next general election. - June 8, 2026
