Ismail Sabri: PAS should not play second fiddle to Bersatu

Caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged PAS to reconsider their alliance with Bersatu following the conflicting statements issued by leaders of the two parties.

"I am told that the Bersatu president is not happy with statements made by PAS. However, PAS is the bigger party. They were formed earlier than Bersatu.

"Therefore, PAS should be dominant and make decisions for themselves. As a component party of Perikatan Nasional, they should have a say in PN.

"However, whenever PAS states their opinions, they are criticised by the Bersatu president. I believe if that is true, it's better for PAS to find new partners," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, according to Utusan Malaysia.

Yesterday, PN was rocked by apparent conflicting remarks issued by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Takiyuddin told reporters in Kota Bharu yesterday that PAS' position was that PN will form a coalition government with BN if necessary.

This was dismissed by Muhyiddin, in his capacity as PN chairperson, hours later. According to Muhyiddin, PN intends to form a government on its own.

Takiyuddin's comments were particularly damaging for Bersatu which has been positioning itself as a replacement for Umno.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said any cooperation with other parties between BN and other coalitions will be decided by the Umno supreme council only after the election.

"Let's wait until after the election... If there are any proposals, we will present them to the supreme council. Any cooperation must be decided there," he said.

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