PAS has ruled out political cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Melaka state election, while remaining open to electoral pacts aimed at ensuring a Malay-Muslim administration in the state.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said seat negotiations among allies were progressing smoothly based on consensus, Sinar Harian reported.
‘What matters is that Melaka is led by Malay-Muslim leadership. We reject Pakatan Harapan,’ he told reporters at Masjid Rusila in Marang, Terengganu, today.
The Melaka State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Sept 23, paving the way for the state election.
PAS ready to use its own logo
Addressing the possibility of restrictions on the use of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) logo, Abdul Hadi said PAS was prepared to contest under its traditional moon symbol if necessary.
‘We can use the PAS logo too, no problem,’ he said, adding that the party was assessing the situation to ensure a smooth campaign.
The issue arose after the Registrar of Societies suspended PN’s activities effective Sept 23 under the Societies Act 1966. The suspension followed a notice issued to PN seeking an explanation over a complaint lodged by Bersatu.
RoS said the suspension was intended to safeguard PN’s interests and prevent possible breaches of its rules, and stressed that it was not a decision to cancel the coalition’s registration.
PAS remains open to BN cooperation
On possible cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN), Abdul Hadi dismissed suggestions of friction despite claims that some state leaders were delaying formal pacts.
He said the matter would be left to the respective party leaderships, while claiming that grassroots sentiment among BN supporters remained receptive to cooperation with PAS.
‘I find that most Barisan Nasional supporters agree with cooperation with PAS… if BN wants to request that cooperation, we agree, everything through discussion,’ he said.
Abdul Hadi has also indicated that PAS could use the BN logo if the two parties reach an agreement, although the choice of logo remains under discussion.
