THE decades-long feud between PAS and Umno is expected to officially end this weekend as Malaysia’s two largest Malay parties forge a political union in the wake of Barisan Nasional’s historical defeat in the 14th general election.

While both parties have already begun their informal cooperation during the three recent by-elections – Sg Kandis, Seri Setia and Balakong – this weekend’s PAS muktamar will seal the manner and form of that union.

Umno representatives will be present as observers in the two-day PAS assembly, an honour that will be returned by the Islamist party during Umno’s annual general assembly later this year.

But while the top leadership of both parties appear intent on this union, there is growing concern that grassroots members are less than enthusiastic about the prospects of teaming up with former adversaries.

At the muktamar yesterday, PAS Youth rejected formal political cooperation with Umno. They instead wanted their leaders to strengthen the party’s relationship with its component members in Gagasan Sejahtera.

Ibrahim Ali, president of Malay-rights group Perkasa, said PAS members, especially in the east coast, will take a long time to accept a union with Umno.

He said while Umno-PAS cooperation has united the Malay community, there are still doubts about whether the two parties should forge a political relationship.

“In terms of politics, this cooperation is still at its early stages. I think that the acceptance level especially at the east coast will take a long time. At the top level, there’s no problem,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He gave the example of the failed cooperation between Umno splinter party Semangat 46 (S46), with PAS in the 1980’s.

“During the cooperation between S46 and PAS, PAS supporters only voted for the PAS logo. This means it’s really difficult for PAS supporters to vote for any other party other than PAS,” said Ibrahim.

He said this fact was proven in the Seri Setia by-election, where votes for the PAS candidate increased as a result of support from Umno, but in the Sg Kandis by-election, the Umno candidate did not enjoy a significant number of votes from PAS supporters.

Analysts believe that with or without a formal pact, Umno and PAS will pose a threat to Pakatan Harapan if both parties succeed in reforming their parties.

Awang Azman Awang Pawi from Universiti Malaya (UM) said voters will throw their support behind the two parties if they can emerge as a critical and capable opposition force.

He said the racial narrative often used as political mileage by PAS and Umno could even gain them further support if used with accurate facts.

“If they want to continue that narrative, it has to be backed with facts and solid arguments,” he said.

“Using a weak argument of the backwardness of the Malays without accurate data will only make it political rhetoric and it will be seen as a weak argument.” – September 15, 2018.