PAS says no to unity gov't with Umno in Terengganu, reports daily

Islamist party PAS will not consider forming a unity government with Umno in Terengganu, as in the current situation, the Malay party may not be sincere, reports Malay daily Sinar Harian.

"Cannot!" was the curt answer party president Abdul Hadi Awang reportedly gave when asked if PAS will consider forming a unity government with Umno in the East Coast state.

Abdul Hadi likened Umno's current position in Terengganu to a desperate emergency, following the crisis which is apparently brewing between current Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and the palace.

"The intention must be sincere (in forming a unity government). It cannot be because they are facing a dire emergency. This is an emergency so it cannot be done," he told the daily when met after delivering morning religious sermon at a mosque in his home constituency Rusila, which is in Marang, Terengganu.

Abdul Hadi however said that he is not totally abreast of all the developments pertaining to the Malay party in the state.

Last week, the party president had reportedly said that PAS has no problem working with any party as long as they accept Islam, the holy Qur'an, and Prophet Muhammad's sunnah (words and deeds).

"It can be anyone, be it Umno or even DAP. If they accept Islam, we will work with them," he said in a statement.

Insiders: Not a political difference

He also pointed out that the suggestion for a unity government between PAS and Umno by controversial preacher Zakir Naik was with the caveat that it must adhere to the Qur'an and the prophet's examples.

Abdul Hadi was responding to observers noting that one of the ways for Umno to try and salvage the situation in Terengganu is to form a unity government with PAS.

Things seem to be heating up Terengganu after a no-confidence motion against Ahmad Razif by former menteri besar Ahmad Said was rejected by the state speaker last month, with the MB having had his state awards recalled by the palace.

Insiders have kept mum over details of the apparent conflict, noting that it is nothing political and is strictly between the MB and the state ruler.

Pundits have been commenting that all may not be as quiet on the Terengganu front as claimed by some. -Mkini