Jelutong MP RSN Rayer claimed that PAS was attempting to use the rally to revive its Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact with Umno, and accused the Islamic party of being insincere.

“The whole world knows and sees PAS as hypocritical. PAS is willing to do anything for power,” he told FMT when asked about PAS’s planned rally outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on Jan 6.

The rally will be held on the same day that the Court of Appeal hears Najib’s application for leave to adduce fresh evidence in his appeal for leave to enforce a purported supplementary order which he says allows him to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest.

It would be the first time Umno and PAS have shared a common political platform since their MN alliance ended in December 2022 following the formation of the unity government.

Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari claimed that PAS had a hidden agenda and was not sincere about fighting for justice for Najib.

“I’m unsure about PAS’s real agenda and whether it’s an attempt to get close to Umno again.

“However, I am confident that Umno understands the lack of sincerity in PAS when it comes to working together,” said the PKR man.

Segamat MP R Yuneswaran played down PAS’s rally as a mere political gimmick and urged Umno not to fall for it.

The PKR MP also accused PAS of trying to drive a wedge between those loyal to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Najib’s supporters.

There has been speculation that ties between PAS and Bersatu have soured, particularly after the two parties butted heads over who should be the coalition’s chairman and its prime ministerial candidate in the next general election.

PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s resignation as the coalition’s treasurer has fuelled the speculation, especially since it came after PN appointed several Bersatu leaders to key posts in the coalition.