Ahmad Zahid says PAS can work with Umno but must abandon Perikatan first

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that his party’s alliance with PAS can continue for the next general election (GE15) on the condition that the latter cuts its political ties with Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Speaking after the party’s meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and other top leaders, Ahmad Zahid said that PAS can even use its own logo when campaigning.

“If PAS wants to be with us, they must meet the conditions that we set.

“If PAS fails to comply with our conditions, then Umno will act alone,” he insisted during a press conference today.

Asked if Umno had set a deadline for PAS, Ahmad Zahid only stated it should happen sooner rather than later.

“They know the deadline... as early as possible,” he said.

Despite his insistence on going solo for GE15, he said that it does not mean Umno is brimming with confidence.

“But we are confident about facing the election in our own way.

“But if PAS wants to be with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), they are free to use their party symbols.

“We can be tolerant about forging togetherness to face the 15th general election (GE15),” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said that he only demanded that PAS cut ties with Bersatu and PN in order to make Muafakat Nasional (MN) a success.

Apart from meeting the prime minister, Umno held talks with the party’s division leaders on preparations going into GE15 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here today.

Commenting on the alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Ahmad Zahid, who is also BN chairman, said that the Sabah-based coalition will support BN candidates.

“I also want to say about Sabah that I have had a discussion with the leadership of GRS, and they have given their assurance that GRS will support all BN candidates.

“We really appreciate it and hope this can be realised when the time comes,” he said.

Previously, the charter to uphold MN’s “ummah unification” agenda between PAS and Umno was revived after both party presidents had a four-eye meeting and indicated a possible alliance for the upcoming polls.

This was despite both parties previously trading barbs over PAS’ affiliation with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) under the PN banner.

However, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s apparent opposition to GE15 being held this year was seen as a sign that negotiations between the Islamist party and Umno had failed.

Despite that, PAS has yet to conclusively state whether it will work with Umno or Bersatu for GE15.