Fearing return to bickering, Afnan says PAS-Umno unity can’t be seasonal

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has expressed concerns about the relationship between the Islamic party and Umno, warning against a repeat of past divisions. Speaking in Alor Setar, Afnan emphasized that the unity between the two largest Malay-Muslim parties should not be based on political maneuvering or short-term electoral gains.

He stressed that the partnership must be rooted in the interests of Muslims and not driven by selfish motives or temporary adversarial situations. Afnan blamed certain groups for the failure of the Muafakat Nasional pact, which aimed to foster cooperation between Umno and PAS. He warned that if these selfish groups are allowed to prevail, the unity between the two parties could become seasonal, leading to bickering once their political interests diverge.

Afnan urged PAS Youth to take the lead in nurturing the seeds of unity and maintaining the integrity of the relationship with Umno. He acknowledged that the previous generation had laid the groundwork, but emphasized that it is now the responsibility of the current generation to preserve and strengthen this partnership.