PAS in Penang has challenged Umno’s continued cooperation with the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led state government after Umno assemblyman Datuk Rashidi Zinol called for the partnership between PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) to be maintained and strengthened.
Penang PAS information chief Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan said Rashidi’s position was at odds with what the party regarded as a need to strengthen Malay-Muslim unity ahead of the next general election.
He questioned why Penang Umno leaders continued to support the DAP-led state administration instead of working with PAS-led Perikatan Nasional (PN) to pursue greater Malay-Muslim political cooperation.
“Nevertheless, Penang PAS respects the political choice made by Penang Umno,” he said in a statement.
“We wish the Penang Umno leadership all the best although it has not prioritised ummah unity at the moment. The door to dialogue with PAS remains open. The rakyat will judge who is truly fighting to save Penang and who is merely comfortable with their positions.”
Rashidi, the Sungai Acheh assemblyman and the sole BN representative in the Penang state administration, had on Tuesday called for PH-BN cooperation to be strengthened, describing the arrangement as constructive and beneficial to the state.
He said he had faced no problems working with PKR and DAP leaders during his three years in the state executive council, citing mutual respect, understanding, communication and a shared focus on the interests of the people and state development.
Rashidi also backed the continuation of the Federal Government’s Unity Government until the end of its term, saying this would provide political stability, policy continuity and allow the government to focus on development and public welfare.
Fawwaz said PAS was particularly critical of the position as Umno’s role in the Penang government had also come under scrutiny following calls by DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng for the party to be removed from the state administration.
“The fact is, Penang Umno holds only one state Exco post, and that position is entirely dependent on the discretion of PH-DAP,” he said.
Fawwaz said the situation differed in Negeri Sembilan, where BN is cooperating with PN, arguing that greater Malay-Muslim political cooperation was possible when there was political will.
Rashidi is currently the only BN representative in the Penang state administration, a position PH has agreed to retain until the next general election. - September 24, 2026
