KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Umno has not discussed its relationship with PAS, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today after the Islamist party announced it will remain with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) for the 15th general election (GE15).
The Umno vice-president was responding to requests for comments about the PAS announcement, which came after his party demanded that the latter choose between it and Bersatu.
Instead, he said his party will broach the matter with PAS at their next regular Muafakat Nasional meeting.
“Usually, we (Muafakat Nasional) meet once in two weeks,” he said.
We will talk about this and any other matters related to our relationship with PAS,” he said when met by reporters after a service award ceremony here today.
For now, Ismail Sabri said the party’s position is that the general assembly resolved to strengthen cooperation with PAS through Muafakat Nasional.
“So we stand by what was agreed in the general assembly,” he said.
When asked about the state of MN, Ismail Sabri said it was status quo with the Islamist party.
“Our relationship with PAS so far, is good, at grassroots level and also it’s business as usual at branch level.
“In fact, we will be co-organising many events during the fasting month,” he added.
PAS is allied to Umno via MN and to Bersatu in the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition. The Islamist party is caught between the feuding allies that are set to clash during the general election after a breakdown in ties.
Throughout the Umno-Bersatu feud, PAS has repeatedly tried to mediate by reminding the two of the importance to preserve Malay-Muslim unity.
At the Umno general assembly last week, however, some Umno leaders began demanding for PAS to choose a side in the feud.
