We'll work with PAS, not 'parti kucing' Wawasan, Umno delegate tells Zahid

UMNO AGM | Kedah Umno has resolved to negotiate only with PAS for election cooperation instead of the broader Perikatan Nasional coalition, said its delegate at the 2026 Umno general assembly.

In an animated debate speech, Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin (above) mocked Wawasan Negara’s recent entry into PN, branding it a "parti kucing" (small fry).

"Kedah Umno recently made a decision that we would begin discussions with PAS. We will start sitting down with PAS over coffee, but not with PN.

"Why not with PN? Because there is a 'parti kucing' in PN now. A party that's only two days old.

"It was not me who called it ‘parti kucing’. The one who branded it as such is my friend (Kedah menteri besar) Sanusi Nor, who said they would not negotiate with such a small party, as they (PAS) are an elephant party.

"So, for Kedah Umno, we will not discuss with this small fry too. (But) we will discuss with PAS," Shaiful said when debating the Umno president's policy speech.

The Merbok Umno division chief was referring to Sanusi's (above) speech during the Islamist party's 72nd muktamar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan earlier this month.

The position taken by Kedah Umno comes as the nationalist party is getting cosier with PAS and working towards further collaboration in future state and general polls.

Recent cooperation between BN and PAS-led PN in the Negeri Sembilan state election had yielded a major victory, wresting the state from Pakatan Harapan.

Zahid to make final call

In his speech, Shaiful said Kedah Umno, however, will leave the final decision to party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and top Umno leadership on whether to work with PN and Wawasan.

However, he cautioned the party leadership that Wawasan is “infested” with former Bersatu members.

"Datuk Seri (party) president, Kedah Umno would like to express our concern over the existence of certain groups of people who are buying last-minute (political) insurance.

"All of a sudden, some Bersatu (divisions) are collapsing, with some of its representatives resigning and joining Wawasan.

"Kedah Umno describes this as a process of (the people involved) trying to buy a last-minute political lifeline," Shaiful said.

'Don't be arrogant'

Separately, Wawasan Kedah Youth coordinator Muzzammil Ismail urged Kedah Umno not to be arrogant over potential political cooperation, saying the party should instead reflect on its position in the state.

“Umno is no longer the government in Kedah, and its performance in the SG4 states should be an opportunity for self-reflection, not chest-thumping,” he said in a statement.

Muzzammil (above) also said if Umno believed it was strong enough, it should contest on its own, but argued that voters wanted “Muslim unity, stability and political consensus” between PN and BN.

He cautioned that premature statements on who was suitable or otherwise for cooperation could give political opponents ammunition to undermine efforts at consensus building.

“If the intention is truly to regain the people’s trust, then talk about common ground instead of looking for excuses to keep the door closed and remain divided,” he added.

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