THE Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, comprising PAS, Umno and Bersatu, is formed through smart political cooperation and has to be retained, said PAS Ulama Council chief Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh.

He said PAS is grateful to be part of it and wanted all Ulama Council leaders to strengthen the coalition.

“When Pakatan Harapan (PH) lost its majority, PN got the opportunity to take over… We are grateful to Allah who bestowed PAS power through this partnership in the government,” he said in his keynote address at the 59th PAS Ulama Council annual assembly in Machang today.

The assembly was opened by PAS deputy spiritual leader Ahmad Yakob, who is also Kelantan menteri besar.

Nik Zawawi said this year’s PAS assembly was held in a political climate that favoured the party at the federal level and in some states.

“We pray to Allah to help us retain this victory after the 15th general election,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ulama Council has outlined five core pillars in building national unity. They included safeguarding the rights of the majority, respecting Islam, giving priority to seeking peace and prosperity, and to reject any form of treason.

Meanwhile, Ahmad, in his speech, said the ulama could be the catalyst for harmony in the PN political cooperation.

“Make it a lesson when the country was under Pakatan Harapan and the cooperation through Muafakat Nasional has made the country more organised,” he added. – Bernama, September 12, 2020.