IN a Facebook post, blogger Murray Hunter has expressed deep disappointment at PAS’ decision to support UMNO in the Johor state elections, viewing it as a betrayal of the party’s core ethical values.
Hunter believes PAS has lost its moral high ground in backing UMNO-Barisan Nasional in Johor. Hunter highlights his long-standing respect for PAS’ grassroots sincerity, community competence, and anti-corruption stance.
He notes that PAS professionals have historically been repelled by institutional cronyism and government corruption.
With PAS leader Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang deciding to support UMNO – a party heavily tied to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal and systemic kleptocracy – PAS is heavily tarnishing its own moral compass, he says.
“This revives ties with UMNO that was voted out of power in the 2018 general election over the issue of 1MDB corruption.
“The narrative around the 2022 general election was to rid the parliament of a kleptocratic party, with ties to deep corruption.
“UMNO is the party closely connected to the ‘deep state’ that has created ‘cronyism’ in government and business. Just look at 1MDB.”
He also argues that the hard-working Malaysians (many of whom are supporters of PAS), including the professional class, are now disappointed with the Islamists.
“The writer is sure that many of the professional class within PAS would be disappointed with the pledge to support UMNO in the Johor state election by their president.
“The support for UMNO by PAS blemishes the stand for ethics that many within PAS deeply believe in. The writer is saddened by the stand PAS is taking. Many within PAS would prefer to stay in opposition and maintain its moral compass.
“Maybe it would have been better for PAS to remain aloof rather than partisan at this time. Give me a general view of what Murray Hunter is saying in this op-ed about the Johor elections and the PAS party,” he wrote. — July 11, 2026
