MOHAMAD: CALM DOWN
Hadi, Tuan Ibrahim’s statements on Umno-Pas ties are personal views, says Umno No. 2
UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan wants all quarters to calm down regarding statements made by Pas leaders on ties between the Barisan Nasional (BN) component member and the Islamic party in Muafakat Nasional (MN).
He said the statements by Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, which seemed to provide the impression that the Islamic party would quit MN, were the personal views of the two leaders.
“It’s not that I don’t want to respond to it, but it’s to avoid inappropriate perceptions. The statement is his view.
“It is all right. MN is running as usual. I would like to see MN continue and be further empowered.
“However, the MN Technical Committee will look into the cooperation moving forward. For now, let us give a cooling-off period,” he said after officiating at the Free Petrol Filling and Relaxation Programme for Youths and the Let’s Register for Covid19 Vaccine Campaign in Sikamat here yesterday.
Present were Seremban Umno division deputy chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusuf Harmain Shah, Negri Sembilan MCA chief Siow Koi Voon and Seremban Umno Youth chief Zool Amali Hussin.
Mohamad was commenting on Hadi’s remarks, which gave the impression that Pas would leave MN, which the Marang member of Parliament said had deviated from its foundation.
Hadi also urged all Muslim groups to join Perikatan Nasional (PN), which also saw the participation of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), to save the country.
In Gerik, Perak Umno chief Datuk Saarani Mohamad does not discount the possibility of new political alignments after the 15th General Election (GE15).
He said the ongoing cooperation between his party and Pas — previously a stout rival — showed changes that could take place in a fluid political landscape.
“Politics is dynamic. There was a time when Umno and Pas were bitter enemies for more than 60 years. But now, we are together in MN. When the time comes, things will change. People often ask me this kind of question (on political alignments).
“But I will tell them that I will only abide by the script (fate) laid down by God,” the Perak menteri besar said after opening Dewan Tok Saad in Kampung Ulu Kenderung yesterday.
On Wednesday, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and his Pas counterpart, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, said both parties were adamant in rejecting new alignments after GE15.
They also said PN would form a central committee to formulate strategies for GE15, including seat distribution.
The statement came after Umno formalised plans to sever ties with Bersatu and PN last weekend.