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PAS anticipates more UMNO members and leaders may align themselves with Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly those uneasy with UMNO’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
According to PAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the growing discontent among UMNO grassroots and veterans has translated into stronger support for both PAS and PN.
“Many of our friends have already joined us — including Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, and Datuk Seri Ismail Mutalib. These are just some of the figures.
“Even during the last general election, many UMNO members supported us. When we formed the government together previously, it gave UMNO grassroots the opportunity to better understand PAS. There was harmony and stability, even at the branch level,” he said after officiating the PAS Central As-Sabiqun Convention on Saturday.
Tuan Ibrahim added that the prior experience of governing alongside UMNO deepened grassroots relationships, ultimately swaying voter support during the last general election.
“In the end, many UMNO members voted for PN. That experience created familiarity and opened the door for more cooperation,” he said.
He also spoke confidently of PAS and PN’s strategy for the upcoming Sabah state election, stressing mutual support among coalition partners.
“Where PAS is weak, PN partners will assist. Where our partners are weak, we will help. Although PAS uses its own logo in Kelantan and Terengganu, the PN wave allowed us to nearly sweep all seats there,” he said.
Tuan Ibrahim noted that this collaborative approach would be sharpened further through the PN Sabah election committee, which will coordinate manifestos, seat distribution, campaign machinery and outreach.
“PAS has been on the ground in Sabah for a long time — not just during elections. We visit the sick, assist those in need. These are things we’ve always done, and the people recognise that,” he said.
He stressed that the quality of candidates must be judged not by their visibility during campaigns, but by their sustained engagement with the people.
“It’s not about shaking hands seven times a day during campaign season. It’s about being there for the people all along. That’s what voters should consider. With this groundwork, we believe our candidates in Sabah will be well-received,” he added.
Meanwhile, PAS Vice-President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has said the time may be right for PAS to lead the opposition bloc through political consensus, reflecting its strengthened position within PN.
Speaking after officiating the state-level Majlis Resepsi Walimatulurus Perdana in Hulu Terengganu, Ahmad Samsuri said, “Our priority now is to strengthen political unity and win the next general election.”
His remarks follow Bersatu’s recent announcement naming Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as their choice for the 11th Prime Minister at the party’s annual general assembly.
“Of course, any party within the coalition has the right to propose such a motion. That is Bersatu’s right. But I believe we should move forward. What matters now is reinforcing our political consensus with our strategic partners to ensure victory in GE16,” he said.
He added that PAS will consider all views — including those from party wings — in the upcoming Central Committee meeting before the party’s Annual Muktamar begins on Monday.
“This year’s muktamar is particularly significant, coming so close to GE16. Debates will focus on party strengthening, economic issues, racial harmony, and PAS’s trajectory as a credible national party,” he said.
“We do not intend to move alone. We believe electoral victory is only possible if our political understanding is strengthened and cooperation intensified nationwide,” he added. - September 13, 2025