Pertimbangan politik berbeza pengaruhi cara Umno kendali rundingan PAS

Analysts note that President Umno Zahid Hamidi appears to favor maintaining multiple political options open, while counterpart Mohamad Hasan advocates for a give-and-take principle in electoral cooperation. Petaling Jaya: A difference in viewpoint between Umno President Zahid Hamidi and his successor Mohamad Hasan regarding relations with PAS reflects their differing political considerations, says analyst Syaza Shukri from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia.

Syaza explains that despite both men seeking what they deem best for Umno, their positions within the party shape their approaches to potential cooperation with PAS. Zahid seems more pragmatic as he must also consider the form of cooperation that allows him to retain his position, whereas Mohamad, known as Tok Mat, is less focused on such matters as he is not in a top position, she adds.

"That's why his considerations are more centered on what is best for Umno, whether victory or defeat, collaboration or not, he remains the number two figure," she tells FMT. Syaza says Zahid remains the main decision-maker in major party matters. "Zahid remains very powerful. He suggests that he allows for differences of opinion, but when it comes to important matters, the decision still rests with Zahid," she says.

Her comments come after former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi claimed Zahid has tightened the narrative of the blue wave following Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) victories in Negeri Sembilan. Puad says Mohamad appears more cautious when urging PAS to prove its sincerity through the upcoming election in Terengganu, which PAS organized.

This concern is then denied by PAS Deputy President Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who says the PRN Terengganu and general elections are two separate matters. Awang Azman Awang Pawi from Universiti Malaya says this is not something to be viewed as a split within Umno, but rather as a strategic difference of opinion in the party. He explains that Zahid appears to favor open political options, while Mohamad emphasizes that any cooperation must be based on the principle of mutual respect and give-and-take.

"Their views differ, but that doesn't necessarily contradict each other. One opens space for discussion, while the other sets conditions for that discussion," he says. Syaza says if Umno decides to cooperate with PAS, the latter must ensure it does not wield excessive influence in the discussion. She says the initial commitment to cooperate to avoid Malay vote fragmentation would be easier to accept, but the principle of mutual give-and-take becomes difficult when it involves seat allocation, as party factions may refuse to relinquish seats even if the decision was made by the top leader.