PAS will give UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) priority in negotiations to forge an electoral pact ahead of the next general election, signalling renewed efforts to rebuild cooperation between the two parties.
PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin said the decision was made at a recent meeting of the party's Syura Council, which he chaired.
He said the council had authorised PAS central leadership to negotiate with any political party, but stipulated that UMNO should be given precedence.
Hashim said reconciliation between PAS and UMNO had not been easy to achieve, making the renewed opportunity for unity one that should be seized.
“PAS wants to cooperate with anyone, but UMNO must not be left out. Unity between PAS and UMNO must be maintained, with negotiations prioritising them over other parties,” he said when met at his residence in Arau on Thursday.
He said cooperation between the two parties should put Malay and Islamic interests first rather than serve merely as a political arrangement.
“Any unity built solely for political interests and survival will inevitably fail.
“The Muafakat Nasional initiative was the foundation, and the time has come to strengthen unity between the two parties again.
“We are also seeing growing awareness within UMNO of the importance of this unification,” he said.
Hashim said PAS was more comfortable working with UMNO than with other parties, adding that cooperation between the two established Malay-Muslim parties was something the public had been anticipating.
On the Melaka state election, he said PAS was prepared to contest under its own logo if Perikatan Nasional (PN) could not use the coalition's symbol.
He said PAS and other parties could contest under their respective logos while continuing to cooperate in the election.
“PAS can use its own logo, and UMNO or BN can use theirs, but we can still work together in the state election. PAS is a longstanding party, and almost everyone recognises the crescent symbol.
“There is no problem over the logo, and PAS is prepared for any eventuality in the Melaka state election,” he said.
On seat allocation, Hashim said the decision would rest with PAS central leadership, including whether the party should concede any seats.
He reiterated that negotiations with UMNO should take precedence over those with other parties. - October 16, 2026
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