PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has dismissed claims that discussions on possible cooperation between PAS and Umno have resulted in any agreements, saying talks between the two parties are still ongoing.
He also rejected allegations that Umno had offered PAS electoral seats and appointments to certain positions as part of a political understanding, particularly ahead of the upcoming state elections in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
“So far, no decisions have been made regarding cooperation as talks are currently under way. Claims that PAS has been offered seats and appointments to certain positions are simply rumours,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
PAS focused on upcoming state elections
The Kubang Kerian MP said PAS remains committed to contesting the state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan despite the ongoing discussions.
He said the party had already launched its election machinery and is concentrating on securing victories in the constituencies it plans to contest.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is also the deputy chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), was responding to allegations that Umno had offered PAS several state and parliamentary seats in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka to avoid multi-cornered contests in the forthcoming state polls and the 16th General Election.
Zahid clarifies purpose of meeting
On Friday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a meeting involving leaders from PAS and Umno the previous night focused on exploring avenues for cooperation and preserving political stability in the country.
He stressed that the discussions did not involve the presidents of either party and did not touch on reviving the Muafakat Nasional (MN) alliance.
Allegations emerge over political arrangement
Previously, FMT quoted an unnamed Bersatu leader who accused PAS of attempting to revive its cooperation with Umno through Muafakat Nasional without going through official PN channels.
The Bersatu Supreme Council member alleged that PAS had discussed a new political arrangement during Thursday’s meeting involving Umno and individuals aligned with former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.
Muafakat Nasional was formally established by Umno and PAS in 2019 but effectively ceased functioning after PAS joined Bersatu in forming Perikatan Nasional the following year.
