PAS support won't guarantee cooperation with UMNO, says BN chairman

The chairman of Barisan Nasional (BN), Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has stated that PAS's support for BN in the recent Johor state election will not impact future cooperation between UMNO and PAS. He acknowledged and appreciated the support from PAS leadership but emphasized that it would not alter the direction of BN and UMNO after July 11.

"We do not feel that the support will influence the cooperation that will be or has been made by UMNO, especially with PAS," Ahmad Zahid said. He expressed respect for PAS's stance and hoped their support would materialize, with results to be seen when votes are counted on July 11.

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We do not feel that the support will influence the cooperation that will be or has been made by UMNO, especially with PAS.

This statement comes after PAS Deputy President Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man urged PAS members and supporters not to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates in areas where Perikatan Nasional (PN) was not contesting. PAS also reportedly directed its members to vote for non-Malay BN candidates from MCA and MIC.

Ahmad Zahid also highlighted a perceived shift in support among Chinese voters towards BN. He cited internal studies showing increased support for BN candidates, attributing it to voter disappointment with the performance of previous representatives from other parties. "But because they have seen that their former representatives did not perform well compared to the hopes they placed in them. So they told me 'this time is the time'," he said, indicating renewed trust in MCA and MIC candidates.

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But because they have seen that their former representatives did not perform well compared to the hopes they placed in them. So they told me 'this time is the time'.