Jamal Yunos, the state BN communications chief, said PAS would benefit more if it had an alliance with Umno through Muafakat Nasional (MN) as compared to Bersatu, claiming that the party is only using PAS’ machinery to gain seats.

“If PAS has an alliance with Umno and stays away from Perikatan Nasional (PN), it is certain that the party will get more seats, either in Parliament or the state assembly in Selangor.

“I am confident that MN can rule Selangor,” he said at an event.

Yesterday, Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar said the party was ready to cooperate with PAS through MN if it gets the blessings of the party’s top leadership.

Jamal, who is also Sungai Besar Umno chief, said there were already signs of weakness in PN, both at the national and state level, based on PAS’ assertion that BN was not its enemy.

He said PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement on this was considered a sharp rebuke of PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, adding that it was perhaps a sign that the party would no longer work with Bersatu.

“I was also informed that there has been a breakdown in talks over seat distribution in PN as there is dissatisfaction among PAS leaders in Selangor, especially at the division level.”

Earlier today, Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president, reminded the party that its main enemy in the 15th general election (GE15) is BN.

Speaking at Bersatu’s sixth anniversary celebration, he said PN need not be afraid about facing off against BN.

“When the time comes for GE15, PN will be supported by Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).”

In contrast to what Muhyiddin said today, Takiyuddin said the party’s political foes are Pakatan Harapan and its allies under their “big tent” strategy, and not BN.