QUOTING HADI, NAJIB SAYS UMNO AND PAS MATURE IN POLITICS

(MMO) – The cooperation between Umno and PAS demonstrates what is possible when politics is not purely adversarial, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Speaking at his party’s 71st anniversary celebrations tonight, the Umno president cited sections of his PAS counterpart’s address from the Islamist party’s annual assembly.

“I quote Hadi’s speech, he said that the Umno and PAS cooperation shows political maturity as the politics between Umno and PAS is not combative, but politics for mutual importance.

“Hadi also has said that we might have differing views in politics but issues that are for the people we have to be united.”

After mentioning the PAS Syura Council’s decision to formally sever ties with PKR, Najib also said the Islamist party rejected DAP as the latter was against Islam.

He further said the rejection of DAP was another shared trait between Umno and PAS.

Najib also pointed out that aside from upholding Malay rights, Umno was also a champion of Islam.

“We continue to strengthen Islam in this land as part of Umno’s struggle,” he said.

Outwardly rivals, PAS and Umno have increased their collaboration in recent times, primarily in the areas relevant to the Malay-Muslim community.

This has fuelled rumours that both parties could extend the cooperation in an electoral direction for the next general election, after PAS severed ties with virtually all major opposition parties.

The Islamist party earlier today announced that it was officially ending ties with PKR, its sole remaining link to the Pakatan Harapan opposition pact.