PAS, Umno, PPBM ‘to form official coalition soon’

 

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man says discussions between the parties are ongoing and will be finalised soon.

PETALING JAYA: An official coalition of PAS, Umno and PPBM is expected to be formed soon, deputy PAS president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said today in the face of rumours about a rift between PAS and Umno.

Tuan Ibrahim told FMT that “discussions and consensus for the formation of a coalition have been established and it will become a reality in the near future”.

PAS and Umno are partners in an alliance called Muafakat Nasional. PPBM had agreed to join the alliance in August. However the alliance is not registered as a political party.

PAS and PPBM are also partners in the ruling coalition Perikatan Nasional, which also includes Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (an alliance of PBS, STAR and PBRS).

Tuan Ibrahim denied recent speculation that the party’s relationship with Umno had worsened after joining Perikatan Nasional. He said ties between PAS and Umno remained strong up to the grassroots level as the parties formed a joint committee at branch and division levels.

“PAS also maintains good working relationships with PPBM in the PN government because the coalition is supported by these three main parties,” he said.

Umno is not a member of PN but the party and its allies in Barisan Nasional support the PN coalition in the Dewan Rakyat.

Talks of a rift between the two parties surfaced recently when Umno veteran Mustapha Yaakub said that the party’s ties with PAS were not as close as before, although there were no serious disagreements. He said the rift between the parties began when PAS gained a place in the PN government.

Earlier today, PAS Youth chief Khairil Nizam Khiruddin also said the relationship between PAS and Umno remained strong, contrary to the perception being played up by certain quarters. He said his party’s decision to give PN unconditional support was not an issue with Umno. - FMT