Former Umno Supreme Council member Isham Jalil has applied to join PAS, three years after he was expelled from Umno.
Isham said he submitted his membership application yesterday, describing PAS as the platform through which he intends to continue his political struggle.
In a Facebook post, he said PAS was a “sanctuary” for Malay Muslims and described the party as being free from corruption.
Expelled from Umno in 2023
Isham was dismissed from Umno in December 2023, only months after being elected to the party’s Supreme Council.
At the time, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the dismissal was due to disloyalty, failure to comply with party directives and decisions, and a lack of respect for the party’s leadership.
Isham had previously been a strong supporter of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi before later becoming a vocal critic of both the party president and Umno’s cooperation with DAP.
Hopes for Umno-PAS cooperation
Despite applying to join PAS, Isham said he hoped Umno and Barisan Nasional would emerge victorious in the Johor state election.
He also expressed hope that PAS and Umno could work together to form the state governments in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka following their respective state elections.
According to Isham, such cooperation could pave the way for an ‘ummah’ unity government after the next general election.
PAS welcomes new members
Meanwhile, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar welcomed Isham’s application and said the party remained open to those who wished to contribute to society.
“Welcome to the family,” Sukri said in a separate Facebook post.
