PAS prioritises Umno over Wawasan, says spiritual leader

Hashim Jasin, a top official of PAS, stated that efforts to strengthen ties between PAS and Umno are not easy and both parties need to make the most of the opportunities to unite the two parties. In a recent PAS Syura Majlis meeting, it was agreed that PAS could engage in talks with any party, but Umno should be given priority, according to Utusan Malaysia.

While admitting that strengthening ties between PAS and Umno is not easy, Hashim emphasized that both parties should make the most of every opportunity to unite them. "PAS should cooperate with anyone, don't leave Umno behind. Unity between PAS and Umno must be maintained with priority given to Pakatan Rakyat talks," he said. Hashim argued that cooperation between the two Malay-Islam majority parties should be based on religious and national interests, not solely on political considerations, as cooperation driven solely by political interests will not last long.

He cited the previous National Unity Alliance (Perikatan Nasional) as an example, which fell apart after PAS joined Bersatu to form Perikatan Nasional (PN). Independently, Hashim said PAS is ready to use its own logo in the PRN Melaka on November 14 if the party cannot contest using the PN composite emblem. He clarified that this is not a problem because the PAS emblem is already widely recognized, while the BN can continue to use its own logo.

The future of PN is uncertain now that the Registrar of Societies has put a hold on the operations and activities of the composite entity until a certain undefined period. The High Court opened the door for PN to challenge this decision in court, but rejected a request for a temporary stay on the freeze. The High Court is scheduled to hear PN's petition for a stay on October 22.