KUALA LUMPUR – The spirit of cooperation between PAS and Umno within Muafakat Nasional (MN) remains vibrant, as there is still strong support for the political pact at the grassroots level.
Speaking to Scoop, former PAS ulama committee information chief Mohd Asri Mat Daud said he is confident that PAS and Umno can revive MN for the 16th general election (GE16).
“Although some leaders say the MN cooperation is ‘dead,’ it can be revived…we do not see MN as buried.
“The grassroots of Umno and PAS prefer unity. Generally, if you go to the grassroots level – and I think even the top leadership knows – they are asking for MN to be revived.
“From the grassroots voices, we are confident (MN can be revived) as there are many of them (grassroots members). They can voice out their opinions to the top leaders for the sake of Malay and Islamic interests,” he said.
When asked about PAS’ failure to part ways with Bersatu as the cause of the collapse of cooperation within MN, Asri said the PAS leadership had made it clear that abandoning an ally just because of pressure from other allies is not their stance.
“PAS respects everyone, be it Umno or Bersatu. Leaving Bersatu in Perikatan Nasional (PN) is not a simple decision as they are also a Malay and Islamic party, just like Umno.
“So, if there are disagreements, discussions can be held together instead of abandoning them. That’s not loyalty. That’s why Umno left MN – because of this principle.
“But we still firmly call and invite discussions without giving up. PAS does not consider Umno an enemy,” he said.
Asri, who is the Kelantan Islamic Development, Dakwah, Information and Regional Relations committee chairman, said that grassroots support for parties that continue to champion Islam and Malay causes meant that PAS will strive to bring MN back to the political arena.
Previously, Umno Sg Petani chief Datuk Shahanim Yusoff said Umno does not reject the idea of reconciling with PAS through MN, provided the prime minister’s position is given to an Umno leader.
Additionally, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin previously expressed confidence that cooperation between PAS and Umno can still be revived through MN.
On March 16, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi rejected the proposal to revive MN, instead wanting to focus on forming cooperation with the unity government parties.
He said the public can judge what is happening and let politics be based on the democratic system using Islamic values as a priority.
MN was a political cooperation between Umno and PAS formed on September 14, 2019, following the Ummah Unity gathering. – May 28, 2024