THERE is nothing in the Muafakat Nasional (MN) charter which says that Umno and PAS would contest general elections together as a single political entity.
“This is what a lot of people have missed. There is not a single word in the charter which indicates that we will face elections together.
“Our charter is about upholding “perpaduan ummah” (Muslim solidarity). When there are issues facing Malays and Muslims, we will come together.
“And that is why MN was never registered as a political outfit,” Umno veteran Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo told FocusM.
Allies under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Umno has been at loggerheads with one another after the pact was formed, following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Government.
While PAS, which had signed the MN charter with Umno earlier, is seen trying to bridge the divide between both nationalist parties, the move has seen little success to date.
Don’t expect too much from PAS
In the recently concluded Umno annual general assembly (AGM), Umno has reiterated its stand to cut ties with Bersatu once the Parliament is dissolved.
Earlier today, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has urged his allies not to antagonise one other, which would only create disunity among Muslims.
“PAS is about uniting the ummah. Ummah here means Muslims and non-Muslims who are not extreme in their views.
“Don’t make enemies out of friends. Let’s build relationships instead,” the Marang MP was reported saying.
Touching on PAS, Khir said that Umno members should by now realise that the Islamist party is in favour of working under the Perikatan banner.
“When Hadi said he wants PAS to contest as the Government says it all. So, don’t expect too much from the party.
“Besides, we have also decided contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner in the next general election,” said the former Umno supreme council member. – March 30, 2021.
