In the course of a day or so, I read three headlines in various news portals over the same issue. The first one: “PAS-Umno team-up by GE14? Kedah MB prays it is so”. The second and third: “Hadi’s plea: Don’t split votes with PAS in Sg Besar, K. Kangsar” and “Only PAS can beat Umno in the two by-elections, says ex-minister”, respectively.

It may have been less obvious if I had read these headlines over the course of a few days but seeing all three in close succession showed just how contradictory these sentiments were.

I think each statement was made by leaders who are too cunning for their own good. On the other hand, many of us may unwittingly accept these statements as fait accompli.

Can we see the irony here? It is “natural” for PAS and Umno to work together from now on till the next general election. It is also “logical” for PAS to plead for Opposition unity to win the impending two by-elections against Umno/Barisan Nasional (BN). Only PAS is the most “credible” among parties in the Opposition to stand a chance to win, given its past record and acceptability among the electorate there.

Surely political process is not just confined to winning elections at any cost. Surely winning must provide meaning to the voters in terms of policy orientation, governance and performance.

If PAS and Umno intend to work together, how could one be the alternative to the other? What difference could PAS bring to the table? As it is, PAS has already stated it is an adviser to, not opponent of Umno/BN.

Therefore, instead of condemning the Goods and Services Tax (GST), they should concentrate their efforts in advising Umno/BN on how to implement the consumption tax more stringently. Instead of condemning 1Malaysia Development Berhad and political donations, they should be advising Umno/BN on how to best handle the issues in a manner that is more palatable to the rakyat and the international community. In fact, voters in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar shouldn’t be treating PAS and Umno separately. There is really nothing to choose between the two.

Asking Pakatan Harapan (PH) to yield to PAS is really a no-brainer even if only PAS stands a chance to win against Umno/BN. The win would have provided no meaning to PH and would have caused no damage to the prime minister or Umno in their stranglehold of the country.

I think many are aware that PH may lose in the two by-elections this time. However, given the circumstances, yielding to PAS is worse than losing to Umno. There is nothing to be ashamed in losing. Regardless of the difficulties and challenges faced, political parties must always uphold principles, policies, governance and performance.

I think even a nincompoop knows that the call by Hadi Awang for Opposition unity to defeat Umno/BN is a piece of baloney devoid of morality and principle. It is depraved politics shamefully displayed for all to see.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.

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