CARETAKER Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said PAS, being a large and established party, should be more dominant in Perikatan Nasional (PN). 

PAS should have its own views and the right to voice them out in the coalition, including in determining whether the party will cooperate with other parties or coalitions after the 15th general election, he said.

“I was made to understand that Bersatu president (Muhyiddin Yassin) was not pleased with the purported statement by PAS secretary-general (Takiyuddin Hassan), who stated the willingness to cooperate with BN (Barisan Nasional). 

“PAS is a large party and is older than Bersatu, they should be dominant and have a say in PN,” he told reporters after a community event with residents of Seri Perlis 2 Public Housing, Keramat in Kuala Lumpur last night, together with BN candidate for Titiwangsa, Johari Abdul Ghani.

Ismail was commenting on a statement Takiyuddin made, stating that PAS was willing to cooperate with BN if it did not obtain a simple majority in the coming polls.

Muhyiddin then was reported to have said that PN never gave Takiyuddin the mandate to negotiate with BN for the purpose of forming a government after the general election.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the actions of Bersatu’s leaders in criticising PAS’ views was something that should not occur.

“If that’s the case, PAS needs to think about cooperating with other political parties,” he said, adding that PAS’ suggestion will be discussed by the Umno Supreme Council if BN failed to form the government after election.

On allegations by Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim that there were discussions between Umno and PN leaders for cooperation, Ismail said, “As far as I know, it was never discussed.” – Bernama, November 16, 2022.