KUALA LUMPUR – The on-again, off-again Umno-PAS cooperation could stand to wrest at least 20 seats from Pakatan Harapan (PH) pending successful negotiations between the two Malay-Muslim parties ahead of the general election.
Former PAS leader Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said Umno or PAS could win these 20 seats with their combined voter base.
They are Kedah’s Merbok, Sg Petani, Kulim Bandar Baharu, Pokok Sena, Kuala Kedah and Padang Serai; Pahang’s Raub, Temerloh, Bentong and Kuantan; Selangor’s Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Kapar and Kuala Langat; Perak’s Parit Buntar, Lumut and Tg Malim; and Tampin (Negri Sembilan), Tangga Batu (Melaka) and Kangar (Perlis).
Khairuddin, who is Kuala Nerus MP, said in a statement that unity between the two parties is vital for the sake of the Malay-Muslims in the country.
“Forty-four years of familial strife due to politics is enough, especially in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah.
“It is time for a new generation of the two parties to compete in a civil manner to offer administration policies and manifestos (to the public) without the ugly politics.”
The Vibes reported that the possible cooperation between the two parties was based on the strong demand from Umno’s grassroots.
This issue was among the matters aired during the meeting at Umno headquarters last night.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan also acknowledged in his statement that the Supreme Council took note of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s recent meeting with Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Today, PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan issued a statement warning against issuing statements without Hadi’s approval as it could be detrimental to the party’s election plans.
He also urged for all election machinery to prepare for a looming general election that is expected to be held soon. – The Vibes, October 1, 2022
