BN will go solo then, says Zahid as PAS sticks with PN

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said PAS’ decision to snub his party did not come as a surprise, adding that he had expected it. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional will be going solo in the 15th general election (GE15) following PAS’ decision to stick with Perikatan Nasional for nationwide polls, says BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president also said PAS’ decision to snub his party did not come as a surprise, adding that he had expected it.

“Umno has never closed the door to any genuine effort to unite the ummah,” he said in a statement.

Zahid added that BN would go into GE15 with its message on moderation and stability, as well as prosperity, for the people of this nation.

Earlier, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party decided to strengthen its ties with PN for GE15, following a three-hour meeting at its headquarters to determine whether it would stand by the coalition or work with Umno for the polls.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man declined to comment when asked about the party’s relationship with Umno.

Umno previously issued PAS an ultimatum and set three conditions if the latter wanted to maintain its alliance with Umno under Muafakat Nasional (MN), including cutting ties with PN.

PAS and Umno formalised MN in September 2019, when both parties were part of the federal opposition. Following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government in February 2020, PAS joined Bersatu in forming the PN coalition.

Meanwhile, PN chairman Muhyiddin thanked PAS for choosing to stay with the coalition. He also expressed gratitude to Hadi and other PAS leaders for their “spirit of friendship”.

The former prime minister said this would boost the coalition’s spirits as it worked on winning over Malaysians in GE15. - FMT