PM rebuffs efforts to revive Umno-PAS pact, insists govt intact

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed purported efforts to revive the former Muafakat Nasional pact between PAS and Umno, insisting that any decision will be left to the individual parties.

Speaking to reporters in Petaling Jaya, Anwar also reaffirmed that all parties in government remain united and committed to their duties until the next general election.

“That (revival) is not serious yet; I haven’t received any information. That is for each party to decide.

“What’s important now is that the unity government remains intact, and everyone has stated their position to focus on economic growth and safeguarding the people’s welfare until the next election,” said Anwar.

“So matters about people having ambitions or pipe dreams, or about them (Perikatan Nasional) falling apart - that’s not my problem,” said the Pakatan Harapan chief and PKR president.

Speculations surrounding a reconciliation between Umno and PAS under the MN banner - an electoral alliance formed in 2019 - followed the recent strained ties between PAS and Bersatu under PN.

Within Umno, MN’s proponents include party youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, and in PAS, the idea was welcomed by PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, on condition that Umno sever ties with Harapan-component DAP.

‘That’s their problem’

Anwar declined to comment further when asked whether turmoil within the federal opposition would benefit the government.

“That’s their problem. We’re not involved. We won’t interfere. That’s an issue for PAS and Bersatu. This infighting is not a problem for the unity government,” he stressed.

Earlier today, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin described his resignation as PN chair as a “strategic move” rather than a sign of weakness.

He also insisted that Bersatu remains a principled, consistent, and loyal partner within PN, and that the cooperation will continue to be preserved for the sake of stability and the strength of the coalition.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, meanwhile, said the party is ready to assume leadership of PN, while claiming it maintains relations with not only Bersatu, but also Umno.

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