New Straits Times

Sungai Kandis by-election may herald a new Umno-Pas pact, says Mohamad

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KLANG: The Sungai Kandis byelection could be the starting point of joint endeavours between Umno and Pas in matters relating to the Muslim community.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the cooperatio­n between the two largest Malay parties would lead to a stronger voice in the country’s politics.

“Today, you see the Bumiputera rights being challenged, Mara to be dismantled and (its role) delegated to several ministries. This is an affront to our pride and dignity. We are becoming more divided.

“But, I am grateful that the Sungai Kandis by-election is serving as a point where a greater understand­ing between Umno and Pas is taking place.

“Umno and Pas are the two largest Malay parties. If we can promote such similariti­es between the two, it will mean a lot to the country’s political landscape,” Mohamad said at the Barisan Nasional campaign in Seri Andalas here on Monday.

Present were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, party supreme council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Tanjung Karang member of parliament Tan Sri Noh Omar.

Mohamad said he had met Pas’s top leadership to promote cooperatio­n.

“I had met them three to four times, and finally, after 60 years of rivalry (with Umno), Pas says that it is a must to oppose Pakatan Harapan and vote for Umno in the by-election. This is a (good) sign.

“I am confident that if there is a will among Malays to attain our ambitions, we can do it.”

He said a victory for BN would mean a victory for Malays.

“It will be a referendum over the people’s protest against PH’s unfulfille­d manifesto.”

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