PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin said his party would continue to push for Muslim unity with Umno, via MN, but not necessarily before GE15.

“For PAS, we will remain in MN,” he told FMT, referring to the political pact it forged with Umno in 2019 to woo the Malay-Muslim electorate.

“We won’t part ways for the sake of Muslim unity. MN doesn’t target a specific deadline, so it will continue.”

Hashim said this when asked if the Islamic party’s decision to stick with PN for the nationwide polls meant it was parting ways with Umno.

He said PAS had objected to Bersatu’s demand for the party to declare Umno an enemy.

“We are against it as it isn’t in line with the push for Muslim unity, and Bersatu is aware of our sentiment on this matter.”

Asked about the potential clash with Umno in 27 parliamentary seats, Hashim said his party was ready to face off against Umno, adding that it was part of the democratic process.

However, he hoped the contest would not get in the way of the push for Muslim unity.

Earlier, Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition would be going solo in GE15 following PAS’ decision to stick with PN for the nationwide polls.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said PAS’ decision to snub his party did not come as a surprise, adding that he had expected it.