KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu is likely worried over talk of supposed dealings between its Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition partner, PAS, and Barisan Nasional (BN) lynchpin Umno, said government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also PKR information chief, said BN leaders had denied rumours of discussions taking place with PAS, as previously claimed by the opposition party’s information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.
“What we know now is BN-Umno leaders say there was no discussion with PAS. (However), I think the one that should be worried is Bersatu,” said Fahmi, who is also communications minister.
“Whatever it is, I’m sure Bersatu must be worried sick about this (as) they know and understand that they’re a liability to PN and PAS.”
Fahmi also pointed to the Nenggiri by-election scheduled for August 17 to show the on-going tensions between the two PN parties.
He noted there were calls for PAS to field a candidate in the poll for the seat that was declared vacant due to Bersatu assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim’s decision to support the government.
However, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had on July 11 confirmed that Bersatu would retain the candidacy for the seat.
On July 21, Bersatu vice-president Datuk Radzi Jidin was reported saying Bersatu’s candidate in the Nenggiri by-election would contest under the PAS logo.
Earlier this week, Fadhli reportedly claimed that there were talks between PAS and Umno on potential collaborations during the next general election, alleging that several unofficial meetings involving leaders from both parties had taken place.
Yesterday, BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed such rumours, stressing that no official meetings or discussions between the two rival parties have been held regarding the formation of an electoral pact.
The deputy prime minister, however, did not dismiss the possibility of certain quarters holding meetings on the topic in their own personal capacities.
Zahid’s denial came after a similar dismissal from party secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, with supreme council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi labelling the discussions as “meaningless coffee shop talk.”
Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris has since said that the party is not suspicious of PAS’ supposed dealings with Umno, asserting instead that the party welcomes such cooperation for the sake of Malay unity. – July 24, 2024