‘Technically’ out of PN? Tun Faisal turns tables on PAS

Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has questioned whether PAS could be deemed to have "technically" left Perikatan Nasional (PN) if it held behind-the-scenes negotiations without PN's mandate or knowledge, as suggested by PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan. Tun Faisal was responding to Hassan's comments that Bersatu had "technically" left PN after contesting the recent Negeri Sembilan state election under its own logo.

He questioned PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan on whether the same reasoning could apply to PAS over alleged secret negotiations with outside parties before the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Tun Faisal also asked whether PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang could be considered to have "technically" left PN if he did not follow PN Supreme Council decisions, such as reinstate Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader after bypassing the council.

Bersatu leaders and aides, including Muhyiddin Yassin’s former aide Marzuki Mohamad, criticized Hadi after he appointed Hamzah without PN Supreme Council approval. Takiyuddin earlier claimed Bersatu remains legally part of PN despite PAS suspending political ties. Cracks in PAS and Bersatu's relationship emerged towards the end of last year, leading to PAS ending their political cooperation with Bersatu in June.