Umno’s call for election in PAS-led state stems from distrust

Umno's proposal for PAS to call for early elections in Terengganu, in an attempt to prove its commitment to Malay unity, may be rooted in distrust towards the Islamic party, according to an analyst. The distrust arises from remarks made by PAS leaders during a recent muktamar on the prime minister's position and contested seats, which could have irked Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, who proposed the early elections.

The PAS stance, which includes defending won seats based on the incumbency formula and naming a candidate for prime minister, could have further fueled Umno's distrust. However, Umno's counterpart, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, dismissed the idea on Sunday. Umno may be asking "too much" of PAS, with an analyst suggesting that the two parties have only formalized their partnership as an 'understanding' and not a formal agreement.

Another analyst noted that using the incumbency formula in a PAS-Umno partnership, especially in Terengganu where both parties hold all seats, would disadvantage Umno as they would not gain any seats. Nevertheless, this suggestion could backfire as it would raise questions about Umno's commitment to Malay unity in Melaka, where they already hold all 21 seats.