UMNO has expected PAS to continue its relationship with Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the upcoming general election, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

The Umno president said Umno has never closed its door to any effort to work with any party for the sake of Muslim unity as long as it is “based on the values of sincerity and honesty”.

“With this decision, Umno and Barisan Nasional will continue to move solo by maintaining the image of the party that always focuses on moderation and is able to offer stability and prosperity to the multiracial and multi-religious citizens of this nation,” he said in a statement.

Zahid was responding to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who earlier today said his party has decided to strengthen its relationship within PN to face the general election on the principles of Muslim unity. 

Hadi’s announcement closed the door to any prospect of the Islamist party and Umno working together for the polls.

Earlier, Zahid had imposed conditions that PAS should cut off ties with Bersatu and leave PN if it wants to work with Umno.

Both PAS and Umno had formed Muafakat Nasional in 2019 to fight Pakatan Harapan together but ties between the two parties soured after PAS started working closely with Bersatu and becoming part of PN. – October 13, 2022.