UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi has rebuked PAS for persistently suggesting a revival of the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact between the two parties, asserting that UMNO has decisively closed the chapter on the matter.
The UMNO leader dismissed PAS’ efforts to reignite discussions on MN, alleging that it was an attempt to sow division within the unity government. He expressed strong opposition to any notion of rekindling ties between UMNO and PAS.
MN was formed in September 2019 when both parties were in the opposition bloc following Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) victory in the 14th General Election in May 2018.
Moreover, Puad claimed that UMNO is content with its current status within the government and understands PAS’ stance well enough.
He also highlighted instances where UMNO’s positions in the unity government led to policy changes, such as opposing proposals like Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s suggestion to nominate Chinese New Villages in Selangor as a UNESCO world heritage site.
“When UMNO opposed (the proposal), it was abandoned (by Nga). If PAS were in UMNO’s position (as part of the government), they would surely remain silent and just play along,” Free Malaysia Today quoted him as saying.
“No more discussion to revive MN. UMNO has closed the book. Once bitten twice shy. Such claims are simply being made now to undermine the unity government. If PAS is serious (about cooperating with UMNO), just join the unity government.”
Meanwhile, PAS’ senior leader Datuk Hashim Jasin expressed confidence in informal talks between leaders of both parties to revive MN, citing ongoing efforts at various levels within both party leaderships.
“Many still believe that MN is not dead yet and want to continue with the cooperation.”
The former Sanglang assemblyman pointed to recent issues affecting Malay-Muslim sensitivities, such as the Federal Court’s striking down of provisions in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 and Nga’s proposal on Chinese New Villages, as factors driving the need for cooperation.
“As a result of various issues touching on the sensitivities of Malay- Muslims lately, I can see some UMNO leaders being aware (on the need for MN),” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying.
Moreover, relations between PAS and UMNO have been strained since PAS joined Perikatan Nasional (PN) with Bersatu. Previous disagreements over including Bersatu in MN exacerbated tensions between the two parties, leading to accusations of neglecting the MN charter. – Feb 15, 2024
Main photo credit: Sumberkini
