UMNO’S resurrection into Malaysia’s political scene right after its defeat was not because of PAS’ “potent medicine” but due to support from the Malays, party’s deputy president Mohamad Hasan said.

In a statement, the ex-Negri Sembilan menteri besar said another reason was because of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) failure and poor performance when it helmed the federal government. 

“We got back up again not because of PAS and its magic healing. It is because the Malays turned back to us after PH’s dismal performance. 

“Without Umno, PAS would also not be part of the federal government today and they know, without Umno it will not be able to remain part of the federal government after the general election,” said Mohamad, who is popularly known as Tok Mat.

Prior to Mohamad’s statement, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang yesterday said the Islamist party does not need scraps from Umno in the upcoming Johor elections.

Hadi reminded the country’s biggest Malay party that it had its strengths and could hold its own in the polls.

He was commenting on remarks by Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad, who questioned the party’s sincerity after it rejected the offer of four seats in the upcoming state polls. 

The caretaker menteri besar said PAS was drawn to the 15 seats offered by Bersatu under Perikatan Nasional (PN). 

Mohamad also refuted Hadi’s claim that the Johor elections were being held because it was the will of a certain “cluster” in Umno. 

Mohamad explained that Hasni had his own reason for getting a new mandate and that it is not the business of another party to question it. 

“Umno is not like PAS, being loyally blind to the president and no one has the power to decide everything. It is a party for all and not dominated by certain groups only. 

“If PAS feels that BN is no longer relevant, we will return it to the people to decide. And let the people also decide whether PAS or PN should lead,” he said.

Hadi yesterday said state elections in the country are an extension of power play among the members of Umno court cluster in their quest to save themselves. 

The Marang MP said PAS did not agree to elections if they were held to fulfil individual agendas or for political expediency.

He said leaders in Umno who have been charged in court should not be afraid to face trial if they are innocent. – January 29, 2022.