PAS Open to UMNO Cooperation in Pahang, Cites Negeri Sembilan Model

Malaysia's PAS party is signaling openness to political cooperation with UMNO in Pahang, drawing inspiration from the recent state election model in Negeri Sembilan. PAS sees this potential alliance as a strategic move to strengthen political unity within the Malay Muslim community.

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I see his statement as a desire for the unity of the ummah. The unity of the ummah needs to be viewed in a broader framework than just parties and internal party matters.

PAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man welcomed a statement from Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who expressed readiness for cooperation talks with various political parties, including PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN). Tuan Ibrahim views this as an opportunity for a larger 'uniting the ummah' initiative. "I see his statement as a desire for the unity of the ummah. The unity of the ummah needs to be viewed in a broader framework than just parties and internal party matters," he said.

He suggested that discussions could explore how to bolster this unity among political parties. Tuan Ibrahim pointed to the Negeri Sembilan model, where no single party could form the government alone, as a potentially valuable example, though he cautioned that such approaches might need adaptation for different states. "The model varies greatly from state to state, but we can look at what happened in Negeri Sembilan as a good model. We hope Melaka will follow the same model," he added.

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The model varies greatly from state to state, but we can look at what happened in Negeri Sembilan as a good model. We hope Melaka will follow the same model.

Analyzing Pahang's political landscape, Tuan Ibrahim noted that PN and Barisan Nasional (BN) each hold 17 seats in the State Legislative Assembly, with Pakatan Harapan holding eight. This configuration suggests that a coalition of two parties could secure a strong majority, potentially a two-thirds majority, enabling effective governance. "On paper, with the coalition of two parties, we can achieve a two-thirds majority and move forward in the state government administration," he stated.

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On paper, with the coalition of two parties, we can achieve a two-thirds majority and move forward in the state government administration.

Tuan Ibrahim emphasized that any negotiations must be based on sincerity and equality, ensuring mutual benefit without one party dominating another. "Let's not think of ourselves as a big brother or a little brother. We consider everyone equal, and in negotiations, we must seek win-win solutions. No party should profit while another loses," he urged. He also mentioned that formal talks for Pahang have not yet begun, as PAS is currently focused on preparations for the Melaka and Sarawak state elections.

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Let's not think of ourselves as a big brother or a little brother. We consider everyone equal, and in negotiations, we must seek win-win solutions. No party should profit while another loses.