The Islamic party said this after a much-anticipated meeting which was meant to determine if it will stand by its Perikatan Nasional (PN) ally or cooperate with Umno ahead of the next general election (GE15).

In a brief statement following the two-hour meeting, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said Muslim unity was needed to guarantee political stability after GE15.

“There needs to be some flexibility in negotiations with Umno and Bersatu, including on the requirements set and the current seat negotiations.”

The decision comes days after Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued an ultimatum to the Islamic party.

Zahid had set three conditions for PAS if the latter wanted to maintain its alliance with Umno under Muafakat Nasional (MN) in facing GE15, including cutting ties with PN.

PAS and Umno formed MN in September 2019, when both parties were part of the federal opposition. Following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government in February 2020, PAS joined Bersatu in forming the PN coalition.

Separately, Hadi also reiterated that the three states led by the Islamic party – Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – would not dissolve their state assemblies if GE15 is held this year.

Earlier today, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said PAS seemed to have no intention of cooperating with Umno after 12 MPs from PN, which includes PAS, had written to the King expressing their stand against holding GE15 this year.

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