UMNO Veterans Council secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub has hit back at PAS MP Idris Ahmad for calling UMNO a mere “passenger party,” accusing PAS of having a habit of belittling UMNO.
He said PAS continues to regret rejecting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s advice to form a unity government with Pakatan Harapan after the 15th general election, and now holds a grudge against UMNO.
“In reality, PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) were in a stronger position to form a government with PH after GE15, but their arrogance opened the door for UMNO/BN, with only 30 seats, to join the administration,” he said in a statement.
He added that while PAS mocked UMNO for being weak, the party still approached UMNO to discuss joining the government, even at the expense of PPBM.
“It shows PAS also wanted a share of the pie, because they were eager for ministerial posts.”
Mustapha advised Idris not to be arrogant, but instead to focus on governing PAS-led states to avoid losing them to UMNO/BN in the next election.
“Voters not only judge UMNO/BN, but also PAS’s poor track record. Rather than insulting others, PAS should continue their ‘drum donation’ campaign if they hope to win 60 seats in GE16, because PPBM will no longer come to their rescue,” he stressed.
