Umno to consider delegates’ push for talks with PAS, not PN

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki revealed at a press conference that delegates at the party’s general assembly have shown a preference for direct talks with PAS, rather than Perikatan Nasional (PN) as a whole. During the general assembly, which ends today, delegates have shown a tendency towards engaging directly with PAS leadership, as opposed to the larger coalition.

In previous elections, Umno had negotiations with both PAS and PN. However, Asyraf stated that there is a shift in focus towards negotiating with PAS exclusively. Kedah Umno expressed its intention to initiate discussions with PAS but not with PN, citing the presence of a problematic faction within PN that they refer to as "the cat."

Despite this, Asyraf firmly dismissed claims that the potential cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan would weaken the unity government. He emphasized that Umno remains committed to the agreement signed to form the unity government, which involves 18 parties and was established when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took office.

Asyraf reiterated that the agreement, known as the "agreement on the formation of the unity government of Malaysia," must be respected until Parliament is dissolved, at which point each party is free to pursue its own direction.