The theory that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s much-hyped announcement on Sunday was also supposed to include several PKR Selangor assemblypersons leaving the party to join Umno does not hold water, according to a PAS leader.

PAS central committee member Zainal Abidin Kidam was quoted in Harakah Daily as saying that according to the theory, with the assemblypersons joining Umno with Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib, the party would be able to form the government in Selangor with PAS. 

However, Zainal Abidin said, this theory failed when it tried to connect PAS to the plan.

"This is because PAS has repeatedly stressed that it would not have any form of political cooperation with Umno. 

"Stop the futile and time-wasting attempts to discredit PAS as wanting to work with Umno," Zainal Abidin was quoted. 

He added that no one would be able to influence PAS, which stands committed to its fight, and any decision made by the party and the syura council in its muktamar.

Zainal Abidin called Najib's announcement about Muhammad's "return", another distraction for the rakyat, and something that could have been announced on social media. 

Najib had called for all top Umno leaders to join him in a press conference on Sunday, where he revealed that Muhammad had rejoined Umno.

Many found this revelation to be anti-climactic, following a media hype over the “important announcement” the prime minister was due to make.