Umno-PAS pact can win next GE, says ex-minister Zam

If Umno and PAS were to form a pact, there is a big possibility they would win the next general election, former information minister Zainuddin Maidin said.

"Umno can win the elections when they combine with PAS, when they combine (for) Malay unity," he said when met by reporters after the launch of his book 'Saya Bukan Menteri: Memoir Wartawan Negara' at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival in Serdang today.

He said the two political parties joining forces would boost their chances because "Malays are concerned about their survival".

Although traditional arch enemies, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang have appeared to be more friendly towards each other over the past year.

Najib had extended an olive branch to PAS at the 69th Umno annual general assembly last December, which was well received by Hadi.

Both leaders shared the same stage at a regional conference in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 17, last year.

This comes after PAS' bitter break from the now-defunct opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat last year.

The break up was the result of differences with their former coalition partner DAP and the exit of its progressives to form the breakaway Party Amanah Negara. -Mkini