PAS still open to working with Umno, says Annuar

 The PN information chief says PAS's position remains unchanged, even after BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi played down any post-election cooperation.

PN information chief Annuar Musa said PAS’s position is that Muslim unity would be stronger if the party and Umno could work together.

MERSING:

PAS remains open to working with Umno despite Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying the party’s support in the Johor state election does not signal any future political cooperation.

Annuar Musa, the Perikatan Nasional information chief and election director for this Saturday’s polls, said PAS’s position remained unchanged regardless of statements from Umno leaders.

“We respect whatever position Umno takes, but PAS has its own position,” he told FMT after visiting the PN operations centre in Air Merah, Endau, today.

“Whatever Umno says does not change PAS’s position that we remain open to cooperation and discussions with all parties, especially Umno.”

Annuar said PAS would not allow emotions or political sentiment to dictate its relationship with Umno, adding that the party’s goal is to promote Muslim unity through consensus rather than conflict.

“We remain of the view that Muslim unity in this country would be stronger if Umno and PAS could reach an understanding and work together,” he said.

Zahid had said that PAS’s backing for BN candidates in the Johor state election did not guarantee cooperation between the two parties after the polls, though he welcomed the support.

PAS called on all its members and supporters to vote for Umno or BN candidates in constituencies where PN is not contesting in the election on July 11.

PAS is contesting 11 seats, Bersatu 16, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party five, and Pejuang one, while BN and Pakatan Harapan are each contesting all 56 seats. - FMT