PAS plays down Zahid’s absence at muktamar, says BN-PN cooperation intact

KOTA BHARU: In response to reports suggesting that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's absence from PAS's recent muktamar indicated a rift in the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional alliance ahead of the Melaka election, PAS has firmly denied such speculation. PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan emphasized that negotiations between the two coalitions are ongoing and explicitly stated that "Absolutely not.

I can confirm this because I am among those directly involved." He added that discussions will continue, potentially for the next day or two.

Hassan clarified that Zahid's inability to attend the opening ceremony was due to "unavoidable reasons," but assured that this did not signify a breakdown in cooperation between the parties. Notably, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki led a delegation of party representatives, marking the first time Umno has attended PAS's annual meeting since 2019.

During a press conference following the event, Takiyuddin affirmed that efforts to foster Muslim unity would persist through collaborative talks among PAS, Umno, and other coalition members, hinting at potential involvement from parties in Sabah and Sarawak, including Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.