Don't repeat Semangat 46's mistakes, Zahid tells 'Muafakat ally'

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded the party's "Muafakat Nasional ally" of past involvement in failed political pacts built upon dishonesty and no genuine relationships.

Taking to Facebook, Zahid did not mention PAS by name but cited the parties' past failed cooperation through Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah and Semangat 46.

"Learn from the stories of Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah and Semangat 46, all the failures are because the cooperation was built without honesty and genuine intentions," said Zahid.

Recalling his speech at the Umno annual general assembly last weekend, Zahid reiterated Umno's commitment to strengthen cooperation with PAS through Muafakat Nasional, but without the involvement of Bersatu.

Zahid noted there were many questions raised over Umno's ties with PAS, following the break-up with Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional.

"If we were to look back for a moment, we will not forget how difficult it was to unite the ummah under the Muafakat Nasional banner.

"But alhamdulillah, the original Muafakat Nasional Charter was signed at PWTC on Sept 14, 2019," said Zahid.

Since then, Zahid noted how the Umno-PAS pact had resulted in a string of by-election victories and coming together to champion the rakyat's interests.

"There was a positive momentum of rakyat's confidence towards what was offered by the real Muafakat Nasional.

"They believe in that Muafakat Nasional, not this one. Because of the synergy between Umno and its political ally in cooperation built on sincerity," said Zahid.

Zahid's comments came in the wake of a PAS-Bersatu joint statement that reaffirmed the two parties' cooperation.

The statement was inked by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin.

Contrary to the decision endorsed by the delegates at Umno's recent annual general assembly, PAS vice-president Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said he believed a majority of Umno leaders and grassroots members would prefer the party to remain with PAS and Bersatu.

While Zahid appeared to appeal for PAS to reconsider its ties with Bersatu, Mohd Amar said PAS will continue to play a peacemaker role and attempt to reunite the three parties. - Mkini