Umno-PAS alliance not aimed at reviving MN, says Asyraf

KOTA BHARU: Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno's secretary-general, clarified that the alliance between Umno and PAS is not intended to revive Muafakat Nasional (MN). This electoral pact, formed in 2019, united the two largest Malay parties in Malaysia. Instead, Asyraf emphasized that the alliance aims to foster political stability, harmony, and prosperity in the country.

He stated that Umno seeks to address the aspirations of the Malay community in bringing these two parties together. Following PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang's speech at the party's 72nd muktamar, Asyraf made these remarks to reporters. The Umno-PAS collaboration previously supported the Negeri Sembilan election, which resulted in the downfall of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.

MN was established seven years ago to unify the Malay-Muslim vote after PH took control of the federal government. However, PAS joined forces with Bersatu, an Umno splinter party, to create Perikatan Nasional after PH's demise in 2020. This decision angered Umno, as they perceived it as a betrayal. MN eventually dissolved in December 2022 due to disagreements between PAS and UMNO over Bersatu's involvement.

Asyraf reiterated that discussing potential collaborations with PAS is premature at this time, but his party stands ready to support any initiative to unite the ummah.