PAS can be Umno's ‘new best friend’, says Zahid

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today called for party members not to be afraid of its cooperation with PAS.

While stressing that it was not Umno's attention to make coalition with the Islamist party, he said PAS can be Umno's “new best friend”.

"We have to accept the fact that we have to cooperate with political parties, NGOs and friends who are willing to work with us.

"Do not make unsuitable remarks. We are not looking for a coalition, we do not want tahaluf (political cooperation), yet.

"We are in the opposition pact, we cooperate based on issues, on matters for mutual benefits. I have said this many times," he told Federal Territories Umno members during its event at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid said there was nothing wrong if Umno works with others on issues, adding that they could also make friends with old enemies like its former leaders who are now in Pakatan Harapan.

There are no such thing as permanent friends and enemies in politics, he added.

"Before this, we were told to hate DAP and PKR, right? But now (he) is 'kissing' DAP and PKR.

"So what is wrong (with us working with PAS)? We used to be told to hate PAS (too). Now it is not that we are going to ‘kiss’ them.

"We are only ‘hugging’ each other based on issues. If ‘he’ could do that, why can't we? What kind of a ‘father’ is he?" Zahid said sarcastically.

While Zahid did not mention names, it is believed that he was referring to former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the chairperson of Bersatu, which together with PKR, DAP and Amanah, make up the Pakatan Harapan coalition. - Mkini