Power play will test Umno-PAS sincerity, say analysts

Analysts say Umno and PAS should focus on “shaky states” such as Kedah and Perak, where early agreements can be easily reached without much friction. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The proposed Umno-PAS union is idealistic at best, and may be challenging and complicated to implement, notably at state level, an academic said today.

Associate Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya believes discontent may arise in the PAS-led states of Kelantan and Terengganu, where there was a likelihood of a second deputy menteri besar being appointed in both states.

“They would also need to appoint Umno assemblymen as state executive councillors. Exco positions held by PAS would need to be given to Umno. PAS state executive councillors will have to make way for Umno. This could lead to disgruntlement,” he told FMT.

Certain PAS assemblymen could be dropped from the executive council, or moved to a portfolio which is less strategic.

Awang Azman Awang Pawi.

“On top of that, there is the issue of local councillor positions which have to be given to Umno representatives as well,” he said.

Awang Azman’s remarks were in response to news of a technical committee to study ways of forging a political cooperation between Umno and PAS.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had initially described the possible union as a “declaration of war” against non-Malays (a remark which he later withdrew), while his deputy Nga Kor Ming raised the possibility that Malaysia could turn into a “Taliban state”, remarks which were criticised.

Awang Azman said the “the reality of what needs to be done is not so rosy and is in fact heavy.”

He believes the two parties should focus on “shaky states”, such as Kedah and Perak, where early agreements can be easily reached without much friction: “issues such as a reduction in the number of Exco positions, or executive councillors being dropped, would not arise,” he said.

Kamarul Zaman Yusoff.

Universiti Utara Malaysia analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff concurred with Awang Azman, saying the proposal would require some of those holding positions to give it up.

“I am very sure that there will be mixed responses from both sides: some have long-standing grouses with the other side, what more when the proposal requires some of those holding positions to give up their posts. So, it is also a test of sincerity on both sides,” he told FMT.

He believes that even a minimal unity government could pose a threat to Pakatan Harapan.

“At a minimum level, this is the likely scenario: PAS giving one Exco seat to Umno in Kelantan and Terengganu, in return for Umno giving one Exco seat to PAS in Pahang and Perlis.

“This can spell trouble for PH as this can show some semblance of seriousness and sincerity that PAS and Umno have,” he added. - FMT