PAS leaders remain confident that the party’s cooperation with Umno can endure as long as both sides remain sincere and committed to a long-term vision, despite the possibility of future political competition in the northern states.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man acknowledged that maintaining the partnership would not be easy but said it could succeed if both parties focused on their common objectives.
‘It depends on the sincerity and far-sightedness of both parties. We hope the Negeri Sembilan state election will be a good start and that it will endure.
‘PAS realises that it won’t be easy. But if all parties work towards maintaining the cooperation and putting aside matters that could cause it to crumble, I’m confident it would remain intact,’ he told FMT.
PAS rejects concerns over future rivalry
His remarks came after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin questioned whether the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) could last.
Muhyiddin predicted that Umno and PAS would eventually face intense competition in the northern states governed by PN.
However, Tuan Ibrahim said the cooperation between PAS and Umno was not merely an electoral arrangement but a broader effort to avoid contests that could weaken Malay political representation.
‘Clashes between PAS and Umno would allow Pakatan Harapan to win Malay-majority seats, to the community’s detriment,’ he said.
PAS accuses Muhyiddin of sowing discord
Separately, PAS treasurer-general Iskandar Abdul Samad said Muhyiddin was attempting to distract the party and create divisions between PAS and Umno supporters.
He stressed that PAS remained focused on the Negeri Sembilan state election and would not be influenced by such remarks.
‘The relationship between PAS and Umno is cordial now. There’s no need for him to try and instigate conflict. Don’t try to pit us against each other by sowing doubt,’ he said.
