Cooperation between PAS and Umno would be 'difficult', said Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali.

He said this is because Umno is a nationalist party, whereas PAS is an Islamist party.

“It would be a good thing if Umno and PAS unite, but I don't think there would be political cooperation between Umno and PAS before the 14th general election.

“Umno is nationalist. PAS is an Islamist party. In PAS it is not easy for its leadership to speak of cooperation. The reality is there would be obstacles,” he said.

Nevertheless, the former Pasir Mas MP hoped there would still be cooperation between the two parties outside of political matters.

“I hope PAS and Umno can cooperate on non-political issues,” he told a press conference today after officiating the Perkasa annual general meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Islamic Centre today.

Two PAS representatives were present during the function, namely the party's secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and elections director Mustafa Ali.

“Although PAS representatives are present, Perkasa has never sided with a political party.

“We want to see PAS become a progressive party, to become the hope of the people, bumiputeras, Malays, to ensure the survival of the nation,” he said.

Ibrahim, who had previously contested under a PAS ticket, said that unlike Umno members, objections from PAS members could derail cooperation between the two parties.

“This makes it hard for PAS chief Abdul Hadi Awang to continue political cooperation, unlike Umno, whose members obey their president,” he said.

'Plays with rhetoric'

As for the next general election, Ibrahim said Perkasa may opt to back PAS if the party becomes progressive.

He said Perkasa had thrown its support behind Umno and BN during the last election but this would not be the case for the next one if Umno failed to improve.

“ Perkasa will not give support to any party including Umno and BN, blindly or for emotional, reckless reasons.

“ Therefore, Perkasa's stance for GE14 will be determined based on detailed studies. We have two options and that is between Umno and PAS which has cut ties with DAP.

“ If by GE14, PAS no longer plays with rhetoric and shows that it can fight for the Malays, PAS can be Perkasa's option,” he said in his speech during the meeting.

As for Umno, Ibrahim said the party needs to resolve several controversial issues namely the rising cost of living, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the 1MDB affair and the RM2.6 billion donation scandal.