No ‘new alignment’ with PH, PAS says

PAS today rejected any attempt at cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) or its allies, saying it remains committed to strengthening ties among itself, Umno and Bersatu, the three main Malay parties in the country.

This follows the release of two nearly identical statements by PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim and his Barisan Nasional (BN) counterpart Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after their top leadership meetings last night.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party had been monitoring developments in the cooperation of Perikatan Nasional (PN) parties, especially between Umno and Bersatu.

He also said PAS had held several meetings and engagements with both parties, including the latest Bersatu Supreme Council meeting with its president Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

“Given the importance of cooperation among Malay parties to the country’s political future, PAS has made the following decisions,” he added.

“The party rejects any form of effort towards a ‘new alignment’ involving cooperation with PH or its allies.”

The statements by BN and PH last night had urged the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to call for a Dewan Rakyat sitting to convene during the virus emergency and condemned Takiyuddin for dismissing such a move, accusing him of going against the king’s views.

They also listed several possible agendas for MPs to discuss.

In his statement today, Takiyuddin said PAS was “committed to strengthening the relationships and cooperation among Umno, Bersatu and PAS, along with other colleagues for the sake of the continued rule of the country which has been well received by the majority of the people, who do not want the dark past to repeat itself”.

He said PAS would also boost its efforts to strengthen the Muafakat Nasional alliance formed with Umno in September last year when the parties were still in the opposition.

“This will defend PN at all levels,” he added. “PAS is confident that all differences, disputes and misunderstandings can be resolved with harmony among party leaders based on the principles of brotherhood and family for the sake of the larger interests of the country and people.”