Beri Umno satu pertiga kerusi di negeri ditadbir PAS, kata Nur Jazlan

Umno's National Secretary Nur Jazlan Mohamed stated that Umno could play a significant role in softening PAS's image among non-Malays if the two parties continue their cooperation in upcoming elections. The PKMM head suggested PAS should not contest all seats in Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis as having two-thirds of the seats in these states would be sufficient.

He likened the situation to Terengganu, which he compared to an oil-rich state but with no foreign investors flocking to the region. PAS needs to consider this and not contest 100% of the seats; instead, just two-thirds. Nur Jazlan believes there is growing confidence and trust in PAS's commitment to Malay unity. PAS won all 27 contested seats in Terengganu, 37 out of 45 in Kelantan, 21 of 36 in Kedah, and nine in Perlis.

Umno and PAS have gradually rekindled their political cooperation, starting with an informal understanding to avoid contesting seats in Johor, which evolved into a non-formal coalition government in Negeri Sembilan. Both parties are exploring the possibility of cooperation in the PRN Melaka by next month. The leaders of both parties attended their respective grand conferences.

Addressing concerns about cooperating with PAS potentially alienating Chinese voters, Nur Jazlan said Umno could play a crucial role in softening PAS's image among non-Malays. The main concern of non-Malay voters regarding PAS is their doubts about being allowed to live their lives freely. Nur Jazlan believes PAS can be flexible, but their flexibility depends on their cooperation with Umno.

Thus, Umno has a significant role to play in softening PAS's image in the near future. The former Umno President Pulai stated that studies show Chinese community support for Umno in Johor has increased to around 20%, an increase attributed to the confidence in the state's ability to manage the economy and job opportunities. Chinese voters are practical; if a political party can provide better livelihood and prosperity, they will vote for it.

Despite the prejudices attached to parties like Umno and PAS, the Chinese community will vote for the party that offers better prospects.