GEORGE TOWN – Penang PAS has expressed openness towards cooperating with Umno in the next general election in the state if Umno wants, provided it does not impose a “big brother” attitude.
State PAS secretary Iszuree Ibrahim said the Islamic party’s state wing has always supported the Muafakat Nasional (MN) alliance consisting of the two outfits, in line with the recommendation of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang who wants Muslims to remain united.
“We stick to the party’s directive so that MN and PN (Perikatan Nasional) are given support. We have not changed. The only issue is at the central level – the problem of political games by some Umno leaders called ‘court clusters’,” he said.
“At the central level, PAS has no problem with Umno in the government. But the problem is with those who do not sit in the government and try to pressure the government leading to the state election,” he said, in an apparent reference to the upcoming Johor state snap polls.
“If Umno still wants to continue working together, we will be open. But I hope Umno does not bring the attitude of ‘big brother’ to Penang.”
Iszuree said the final decision on cooperation with Umno would be determined by PAS’ central leadership, but the state wing would still give its own recommendations due to the “unique” political situation in Penang.
He also revealed that the good relationship between the two in Penang is not something new, as it started before the 14th general election in May 2018.
However, he said, at that time their relationship was described as having “friendly meetings” only, and there were no serious discussions made.
“At the lower level, many still want to see reconciliation between PAS and Umno. If we are united, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Yesterday, The Vibes reported Penang Umno chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir asserting that the party still wants to continue the MN collaboration in the state as the two parties have not been hostile to each other here.
Musa said that all Penang Umno divisions are ready to “sacrifice” and give way to PAS if the cooperation is successful.
Musa’s statement, however, is not in line with the relationship between PAS and Umno at the national level, which has currently soured after certain leaders started attacking each other openly via the media. – The Vibes, February 21, 2022
