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KOTA BHARU – Pas says negotiations with Umno will continue despite the absence of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi from the 72nd Pas Annual Muktamar, with discussions expected to focus on political cooperation ahead of the Melaka state election.
Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said Zahid’s absence should not be interpreted as a sign that Umno would contest the Melaka election on its own.
“I can confirm that because I am directly involved in the discussions,” he told reporters at Pusat Tarbiyah Islam Kelantan, here today.
Takiyuddin said negotiations between Pas and Umno would continue, possibly within the next few days.
“We will continue our negotiations. The discussions may continue within the next day or two,” he said.
He stressed that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) leadership was also expected to meet in Kuala Lumpur within the next two weeks to discuss, among other matters, ways to strengthen political cooperation with existing partners.
“Among the matters we will discuss is how to strengthen our political cooperation with the parties involved, particularly Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the upcoming Melaka state election. We may also discuss Sarawak because we are not only looking at state elections, but also the general election,” he said.
Takiyuddin said Pas’ cooperation talks were not limited to state seats but would eventually involve parliamentary seats as well, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said Pas’ broader roadmap could involve parties such as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), although discussions on the two states had yet to begin.
“Our discussions on ummah unity will not only involve state seats but also parliamentary seats. So, naturally, this will involve Sabah and Sarawak. However, the time has not yet come for us to discuss that. That is the direction of our roadmap for the whole of Malaysia, including GRS and GPS,” he said.
On whether Pas and PN would work with PKR in the Melaka polls, Takiyuddin said the current discussions involved Pas, PN and BN.
“As far as things stand, no. I do not think that is likely,” he added.
Takiyuddin’s comments came after Zahid was absent from the Pas muktamar yesterday, despite having been expected to attend.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki attended the muktamar on Zahid’s behalf.
Takiyuddin had earlier said Zahid informed the party at the last minute that he was unable to attend due to an unavoidable reason.
Pas had invited Zahid and other Umno leaders to the muktamar as Umno is regarded as a strategic cooperation partner.
The 72nd Pas Annual Muktamar concluded at today after two days of proceedings.
