PAS should speak up in PN, says Ismail

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says PAS, as a large and established party, should be the dominant party in Perikatan Nasional (PN). 

He said PAS should have its own views and the right to voice them out in the coalition, including to determine whether the party will cooperate with other parties or coalitions after the 15th general election (GE15).

"I was given to understand that Bersatu president (Muhyiddin Yassin) was not pleased with the purported statement by PAS secretary-general (Takiyuddin Hassan), who stated a willingness to cooperate with BN (Barisan Nasional). 

"PAS is a large party and is older than Bersatu, they should be dominant and have a say in PN," he told reporters after an event in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Ismail was commenting on a statement reportedly made by Takiyuddin on cooperation with BN if PN did not obtain a simple majority in GE15.

Muhyiddin, the PN chairman, was later reported to have said that PN never gave Takiyuddin the mandate to negotiate with BN for the purpose of forming a government after GE15.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the actions of Bersatu leaders criticising PAS’ views was something that should not occur.

"If that’s the case, PAS needs to think about cooperating with other political parties," he said, adding that PAS’ suggestion will be discussed by the Umno Supreme Council if BN fails to form the government after GE15.

On allegations by Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim that there were discussions between Umno and PN leaders for cooperation, Ismail said, "As far as I know, it was never discussed."