GEORGE TOWN – Despite the “divorce” between Umno and PAS at the central level, Penang Umno has not entirely slammed the door on their Muafakat Nasional pact for the next general election.
Penang Umno chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said the party still wants to continue their MN collaboration in the state as the two parties have not been hostile to each other here.
“Yes, we still hope to continue working with PAS. But we still respect the decision of the Umno leadership (if not allowed to cooperate).
“The proposal to work with PAS in Penang has also been brought to the Umno political bureau, and they are aware of our intentions,” he told The Vibes.
Musa added that all Penang Umno divisions are ready to “sacrifice” and give way to PAS if the cooperation is a success.
He said the majority of grassroots members in both parties want cooperation to continue for the benefit of both parties.
“But if it does not come to fruition, we will continue with other plans. Umno will also not be enemies with PAS because we are all brothers,” he said.
Last December, Penang Umno for the first time expressed its desire to work with PAS in the next election.
In fact, they said, Umno was open to compromise and sharing its seats with PAS if the Islamist party is willing.
However, relations between PAS and Umno soured after party leaders started attacking each other openly via the media.
Last week, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed that the country could only achieve political stability without Barisan Nasional and its linchpin Umno.
In the last election, Umno won two state seats – Permatang Berangan and Sg Dua – while PAS took Penaga. – The Vibes, February 20, 2022
