Umno, PAS still not on the same page on ummah unity, say analysts

Analysts argue PAS and Umno remain at odds regarding the nature of their collaboration needed to unite the ummah. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara believes Umno favors direct negotiations with PAS, similar to their past Muafakat Nasional arrangement. He explains that involving PAS's PN allies, such as Hamzah Zainudin's Wawasan Party, would complicate seat allocations, particularly before the upcoming 16th general election.

For Umno, ummah unity strictly entails cooperation exclusively with PAS, entrusting the coalition partner's role of distributing seats among allies. Universiti Malaya's Tawfik Yaakub notes that PAS is attempting to accommodate its PN affiliates, including Wawasan and Pejuang. However, he warns that emphasizing ummah unity solely between PAS and Umno risks portraying other PN parties as secondary, potentially sidelining them during crucial negotiations.

Yaakub contends that any political cooperation strategy must be inclusive, safeguarding the interests of all partners. He adds that broadening the unity framework could present more challenging discussions concerning leadership positions, seat distributions, and the relationship between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional. While an expanded cooperation model might enhance PAS's portrayal of Malay unity, it may also introduce conflicting interests among parties.

Earlier this week, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called for the ummah unity agenda to broaden its scope beyond PAS and Umno, recognizing the need for a more inclusive political framework catering to the shifting demographics and youthful voter base. BN and PAS-led PN formed an alliance during the recent Negeri Sembilan state election, securing a two-thirds majority in the assembly.