PAS and Umno’s cooperation in Muafakat Nasional (MN) should be seen in the current context after the Perikatan Nasional government was formed, said PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. 

He added that the cooperation should not be seen in the context before the PN government existed. 

The MN pact was signed by the two Malay parties in September 2019 when they were both in the opposition. They had then joined Bersatu to form the federal government in March last year. 

Umno has now decided that it would not be Bersatu in the next general election, opting to face it alone under the Barisan Nasional banner. 

PAS meanwhile has said it would stick with Bersatu under the PN pact. 

“Now, many parties are expressing efforts to strengthen MN between the two parties only. 

“However, for PAS, the foundation of the formation should be seen in the current framework, not the framework before the formation of the PN government,” Tuan Ibrahim said in a statement.

Tuan Ibrahim’s statement further clarified PAS’ stance to remain with Bersatu and PN in GE15.

At the same time, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, in a separate statement, criticised Umno, which he said used the cooperation to save the leaders and not the country and the people.

Tuan Ibrahim further questioned Umno’s decision not to work with Bersatu in GE15 when the party had agreed to form the PN government, and even accepted elected representatives who jumped the party at that time. 

“Why are we now losing consideration by forgetting the basis of the formation of MN, when we were the opposition and not appreciating the current situation when we can form a joint government? 

“Do we feel the light at the end of the tunnel that looks bright, that the lamp in hand needs to be removed? What if when the rain stops, then the umbrella needs to be thrown away? 

“Are we great because we feel strong with millions of members? Do we feel the same then as we do now?” he asked. – April 2, 2021.