Ahmad Zahid Hamidi And Abdul Hadi Awang’s Leadership Stances Fuel The Political Divide Between UMNO And PAS
In a decisive statement, Umno President Dato' Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi declared that his party would not collaborate with PAS as long as Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang remained the president of the Islamic party. Zahid's remarks came during the Kuala Kangsar Umno annual general meeting, where he expressed his frustration over past experiences working with PAS. He accused Hadi of failing to honor joint agreements, describing the PAS leader as untrustworthy and inconsistent.
Zahid emphasized that his skepticism towards PAS stems from personal encounters where Hadi had seemingly agreed on certain matters during face-to-face discussions, only to change his stance the following day. "I am a living witness," Zahid stated, reinforcing his distrust of Hadi's leadership. He further accused PAS of exploiting Islam for political gain, urging Umno members not to trust the party as long as Hadi is at its helm.
This stance is rooted in the short-lived Muafakat Nasional charter, which was formalized in 2019 when Pakatan Harapan was in power. However, the alliance soured after PAS formed Perikatan Nasional with Bersatu, leading to the dissolution of Muafakat Nasional. Zahid highlighted the sincere cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) within the unity government, contrasting it with his experiences with PAS.
Zahid pointed to the Perak unity government as a testament to PH's genuine collaboration. Despite BN having only nine state seats compared to PH's 24, PH insisted on appointing a BN member as the Menteri Besar. This move, according to Zahid, exemplifies the trust and cooperation within the current government, which stands in stark contrast to his dealings with PAS.
PAS Strikes Back: No Collaboration with UMNO Under Zahid, Calling for Independent Political Strength
In a tit-for-tat response, PAS Deputy President Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has announced that PAS will also refuse to work with Umno as long as Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is its President. Citing Zahid's alleged dishonesty, Tuan Ibrahim echoed the sentiments of distrust, claiming that Zahid's leadership is a barrier to any potential cooperation.
Tuan Ibrahim emphasized PAS's capability to stand independently, referencing the recent Sungai Bakap by-election as a measure of public support for Perikatan Nasional (PN). He expressed confidence in PN's ability to appeal to voters, suggesting that the coalition does not need an alliance with Umno to succeed.
This exchange highlights the deep-seated rift between Umno and PAS, former allies under the Muafakat Nasional alliance. Despite attempts by PAS leaders earlier this year to revive ties, the friction between the two parties remains palpable. The fragile nature of the current political landscape, particularly the union between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
As both parties navigate the evolving political terrain, the statements from Zahid and Tuan Ibrahim underscore the challenges of forging alliances in a climate of mutual distrust. The future of these parties' cooperation remains uncertain, with leadership and integrity at the core of their disagreements.
By: Kpost
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