THE prospect of collaboration between UMNO and PAS seems to have taken a backseat. UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zakarshi suggested that this alliance rooted in political considerations may not be a sustainable or beneficial venture in the long run.
The foundation of this skepticism lies in the inherently transient nature of political alliances.
Past experiences, notably the failed Muafakat Nasional (MN), have casted doubt on the enduring potential of cooperation between UMNO and PAS. While issues such as ICERD and the Statut Rom initially brought the two parties together, political factors eventually hindered the progress of their collaboration.
“The opportunity has been lost since the failure of MN because, at that time, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Rome Statute issues united the two parties.
“However, when political factors came into play, they hindered that cooperation,” penned Puad in his Facebook post.
Moreover, Puad argued that any revival of the UMNO-PAS partnership would likely be a marriage of convenience, particularly in light of the recent Kemaman by-election. Meanwhile, some suggest that it might be more prudent to look forward rather than dwelling on past collaborations.
With an emphasis on moving forward, there are calls for UMNO and the unity government to prioritise the economic well-being of the nation and its people. This entails a concerted effort to uplift the economy through strategic policies and initiatives.
“UMNO and the unity government should focus on enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity and the well-being of the people. Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional takes on the role of a constructive opposition,” added Puad.
Earlier on Monday (Dec 4), Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Isham Jalil suggested that PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar could potentially become the prime minister if PN successfully rekindles its alliance with UMNO before the upcoming general election, citing Ahmad Samsuri’s recent victory as the Terengganu Menteri Besar in Kemaman.
Nevertheless, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man emphasised that any potential collaboration with UMNO must be conducted through the PN platform and involve the inclusion of Bersatu. – Dec 6, 2023
Main photo credit: Puad Zakarshi’s Facebook
