Dissolution not on the agenda for 3 PAS-ruled states

PAS today hinted that the three states under its control would not dissolve their state assemblies to coincide with the general election widely speculated to be taking place this year.

"PAS, which leads the governments of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, will not raise the issue of dissolving the state assemblies in the near future, in order to focus on preparations for the monsoon season expected from mid-November until March 2023, in addition to efforts and measures for economic recovery post Covid-19," PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said in a statement.

This follows the decision by rival coalition Pakatan Harapan, which rules the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang, not to call for elections at the state level as has traditionally been the case during general elections.

PAS, which is part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, has repeatedly disagreed with Umno's calls for early polls this year, echoing concerns that an election would disrupt measures to prepare for the monsoon season, which causes floods on an annual basis.

Meanwhile, Hadi reiterated his party's resolve to unite the three Malay parties, a reference to Umno, Bersatu and PAS.

Hadi has called for Umno to include Bersatu in the Muafakat Nasional consensus, a proposal rejected by a faction of Umno leaders led by their president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid himself has given PAS an ultimatum to reconsider its ties with Bersatu if it wants to continue its cooperation with Umno.

But Hadi today said that Umno should show more flexibility in addressing its opposition to Bersatu.

"PAS is of the view that there should be flexibility in negotiations involving Umno and Bersatu, including on conditions presented as well as the seat negotiations currently underway."