Harapan leaders dismiss Umno-PAS talks as mere propaganda

There is nothing to worry about regarding rumoured talks between Umno and PAS potentially cooperating in the next general election, said Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Several Harapan leaders who Malaysiakini contacted said meetings between political leaders, especially with those perceived as rivals, are common occurrences.

Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa said political parties in the country are free to meet with any party leaders, and these meetings do not necessarily revolve around cooperation.

“Meetings are also held regarding other national issues involving the country or the ummah’s (Muslim community’s) interests.

“I always believe (discussions) across parties are normal for deliberating significant national matters. We have no objections,” he said.

Mujahid said this when asked if Harapan was concerned about alleged meetings between PAS and Umno to discuss cooperation in the next general election.

On Monday (July 22), PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari claimed there were talks about both parties cooperating in the next polls.

Fadhli alleged several unofficial meetings involving the main leaders of both parties had taken place which touched on uniting the Malay vote.

He claimed that Umno leaders expressed regret about the decision to be part of the coalition government.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has since shot down the rumour, saying no official meetings or discussions between the parties to form an electoral pact have taken place.

However, he did not rule out that certain quarters could have held meetings in their personal capacities.

At the Kuala Kangsar Umno annual general assembly on July 8, Zahid reiterated that he would not work with PAS as long as Abdul Hadi Awang is at the helm.

Based on Umno’s experience with PAS in Muafakat Nasional, he accused the Islamist party president of not adhering to agreements.

‘More transparent’

Mujahid elaborated that PAS brought up the matter to create discord within the coalition government.

“But (the alleged meetings) were only raised by one party. They (PAS) made the announcement, and we don’t know their motive for informing the issue (to the public).

“If it is aimed at diving the unity (of the government), that is indeed the work of a political party like PAS. But if the meetings are to discuss bigger issues, we have no objections,” he added.

However, Mujahid said PAS leaders should be more transparent if the meetings were held for national interests.

“I don’t know Fadhli’s motive for disclosing the meetings. If it concerns bigger matters, he should be transparent and explain what was discussed, not just mention that there were meetings.”

PKR Youth deputy chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim viewed the matter as a significant split within Perikatan Nasional.

“It is common for politicians to meet (with rival parties), there is nothing to worry about. However, such talks only confirm the significant split within PN.

“Bersatu is now seen as a ‘burden’ to PAS, while PAS is divided into two groups, with some wanting to pave the way for collaboration with the coalition government.

“However, this desire is challenging due to fear of being ‘cursed’ by the group practising extreme politics. The excessive hate politics played now is becoming less favoured by this group (who wants to work with the government),” Kamil said.

‘Led by group against Zahid’

DAP deputy secretary-general Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji did not rule out the possibility of meetings to discuss cooperation taking place, but it may only involve Umno leaders who are against Zahid’s leadership.

Zulpuri said it might also be because PAS is losing confidence in Bersatu, its ally in PN, besides Gerakan.

“PAS is no longer confident in Bersatu but knows it cannot move solo and must collaborate with other parties.

“Umno has experience in such collaborations, be it through Muafakat or during the administrations of Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Both were detrimental to Umno,” said the Tras assemblyperson.

However, he said DAP does not interfere with other parties’ affairs and does not oppose if opposition parties wish to cooperate with the coalition government for political and economic stability.

DAP central executive committee member Syahredzan Johan emphasised that Umno’s commitment as a party in the coalition government should not be doubted.

“Umno leaders, including Zahid and his secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, have denied Fadhli’s allegations.

“I’m not worried, and the government should not be distracted by rumours. It should be focused on restoring the economy,” Syahredzan said, adding that the relationship between parties in the government, be it at the top or grassroots level, is strengthening.

At the same time, the Bangi MP claimed that PAS and Bersatu’s relationship is currently shaky.

“I see this as mere propaganda and psychological warfare by Fadhli to divert attention from PN’s issues and create suspicion within the government,” he said.

If such discussions existed, he said they were conducted in a private capacity and were not official.

PKR Women deputy chief Juwairiya Zulkifli shared the same sentiments.

If the meetings did take place, she expressed confidence that they were not under the orders of the top leadership of Umno.

“In politics, anything is possible, and we cannot prevent people from meeting each other.

“And if there were meetings, it might be at the individual or group level within the respective parties and not under the leadership’s understanding or directive.

“So far, we have not discussed or raised the issue, and I have no internal information on this,” she added.

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