Cooperation with Umno can last beyond 3 years, says PAS

Melaka PAS Commissioner Zulkifli Ismail has stated that cooperation between his party and Umno can extend beyond the initial three-year period, dismissing inquiries about the longevity of their political alliance. Refuting Bersama leader Rafizi Ramli's assertion that Umno and PAS have never co-ruled for more than three years, Zulkifli emphasized that their commitment to unity should not be judged by the past three years. He expressed the hope that their alliance would endure for the long term, "God willing."

The collaboration between PAS and Umno, known as Muafakat Nasional, was established in 2019 but dissolved when PAS joined Bersatu to form Perikatan Nasional the following year. Despite the collapse of the previous partnership, Zulkifli suggested that support for the current Barisan Nasional-PN alliance is likely to increase as the election date approaches. The BN party is contesting 23 seats in Melaka, while the PAS-led PN alliance is competing for the remaining five under their coalition.

PN, led by Umno, has been considering closer collaboration with PN following an informal electoral partnership at the Negeri Sembilan election in August, which led to a two-thirds majority for the two coalitions in the 36-seat state assembly. BN won 18 seats, and PN secured seven. PAS also backed BN candidates at the Johor election in July, contributing to the BN's 48 out of 56 state seats.