PAS leader: Umno could be 'buried' in GE16, unless...

Umno could be 'buried' in the 16th general election, as the majority of its members and supporters reject the party's cooperation with DAP.

According to PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin, Umno still has the chance to salvage the situation by working with the Islamist party or Perikatan Nasional in the name of the unity of the ummah.

"The majority of Umno grassroots and supporters are not in agreement with party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"Many of the party leaders also do not dare voice their opinions or go against Zahid in matters concerning the party," Hashim (above) told Utusan Malaysia in an interview.

He said the dissatisfaction (against Umno) was reflected in the party's losses in the six state elections and the recently concluded Kemaman by-election, as well as the spike in PAS' majority in the latter.

"If Umno continues to behave this year, it is not impossible for the party to be 'buried' in GE16. We in PAS have never declared Umno as an enemy, and they are welcome to work with us anytime, in the name of ummah," said Hashim.

Recently, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party was open to rekindling its past relationship with Umno - provided the decision is made through the PN platform, which also includes Bersatu.

Zahid rejected the idea outright, urging PAS not to "daydream", as Umno is still not prepared to rekindle its ties with the Islamist party.

Elaborating, Hashim said should Umno decide to work with PAS, any "formula" of cooperation can be figured out later in the name of ummah unity.

"Every party in a coalition has their formula of facing elections. But ummah unity remains the primary focus," he said.

Hashim added that the unity of ummah will be strengthened if Umno and PAS work together, and the two parties could even stand a chance to penetrate DAP's fortresses and seize 40 seats belonging to the latter.

All Umno MPs, reps will continue to defend Anwar - Asyraf

Zahid to PAS: Keep praying, Allah yet to open our hearts

Umno leader: Better to move forward, don't dwell on PAS(t)