Umno’s leader, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, stated that the party is not currently open to the idea of collaborating with PAS again. The past experiences have led to Umno closing the door on this possibility.
“As of now, Allah has not opened our hearts for cooperation with them,” Ahmad Zahid said on Wednesday (Dec 2).
Ahmad Zahid mentioned that PAS has not approached Umno and speculated that the Islamist party may be considering this option after their experience in the government.
“They must be feeling the pain as despite having many seats, PAS is the Opposition. Cooperation with PAS is not on the cards for now. They should just stop daydreaming (of forging cooperation with Umno),” he said.
Ahmad Zahid was responding to reports quoting PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who expressed openness to working with Umno again despite their “bitter” history.
He reiterated that the party had never neglected the agenda of fostering unity through the ummah.
However, according to Tuan Ibrahim, any collaboration with Umno must be through the Perikatan Nasional platform, which also includes Bersatu.
Umno and PAS formed the Muafakat Nasional pact after the 14th General Election when they were in the Opposition.
However, tensions arose after PAS joined the Bersatu-led Perikatan, prompting Umno to exit from the Muafakat pact.
