KUALA LUMPUR – PAS continues to take a conciliatory approach towards Barisan Nasional (BN), despite linchpin Umno’s president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi labelling the Islamist party as a “parti lebai” (party of devouts) and had dismissed talk of a post-election pact.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are likely to forge an alliance to form the next government if the two coalitions do not secure enough numbers to win the polls.
He was quoted as saying by Berita Harian that he is confident the coalition can form a federal government, either on its own or in a partnership with other parties, including BN, in a ceramah programme last night at Kg Kubang Kiat in Kota Baru, Kelantan.
However, Takiyuddin is certain that PN will not accept a pact with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said that if we cannot work together before GE15, maybe we can establish that relationship after GE15.
“Our first option is BN; unfortunately, no discussions have been held during this election period, but I am confident that BN will accept.”
“There were discussions before this, but even if we do not work together now, we know that we can work together after GE15,” said Takiyuddin.
Tujuan Perikatan Nasional bertanding dalam PRU 15 adalah untuk membentuk kerajaan tanpa perlu bergabung dengan Barisan Nasional atau Pakatan Harapan.
— Muhyiddin Yassin (@MuhyiddinYassin) November 15, 2022
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However, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the purpose of his coalition contesting in GE15 is to form a government without having to partner with BN or PH.
“As PN chairman, I never gave a mandate to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan to negotiate with BN for the purpose of forming a government after GE15,” he said.
Talk of a unity government has been circulating after pollsters found that it would be difficult for any single party or coalition to win a simple majority in Dewan Rakyat. – The Vibes, November 15, 2022
