Nothing suspicious about PAS-Umno talks, says Bersatu

 

Bersatu information chief Razali Idris said while the party is open to discussions with anyone interested in backing its struggle for the Malays ahead of GE16, it is mainly focused on strengthening Perikatan Nasional.

PETALING JAYA: 

Bersatu is not suspicious of its Perikatan Nasional (PN) ally PAS, its information chief Razali Idris says following claims of informal discussions between PAS representatives and Umno leaders seeking an alliance ahead of the 16th general election (GE16).

On the contrary, Razali said, Bersatu welcomed such cooperation for the sake of Malay unity.

He said the Malays had become more divided, and that a tie-up among the three parties – Umno, PAS and Bersatu – would strengthen Bersatu’s support from the community in the run-up to GE16.

There is nothing wrong with holding discussions with other Malay parties, including Umno. We harbour no suspicions (towards PAS),

 Razali told FMT.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari was reported yesterday as claiming that several meetings between PAS and Umno leaders had been held to discuss potential cooperation ahead of GE16.

Fadhli said the informal discussions had involved senior leaders from both parties hoping to unite the Malay vote under one banner.

However, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki denied the claim, while Umno
Supreme Council member Puad Zakarshi described the meetings as “meaningless coffee shop talk”.

Razali said while Bersatu was open to discussions with anyone interested in supporting its struggle for the Malays ahead of GE16, the party was mainly focused on strengthening PN.

Former Umno Supreme Council member Isham Jalil said on Saturday that Umno must decide whether to remain with Pakatan Harapan or go solo in GE16.

Isham also said that the Malays should ultimately seek the union of Umno, PAS and Bersatu under Muafakat Nasional ahead of the next general election.

However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on July 8 that the party would not work with PAS so long as Abdul Hadi Awang remained its president. - FMT