{
  "id": 3137568,
  "title": "Bila PAS mengalah…",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/bila-pas-mengalah-3137568",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/08/25/bila-pas-mengalah"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PAS recently achieved a split in the National Unity Government, transforming it into a symbol for efforts to establish new relations with Umno. Formerly, several reasons have been cited for MN's collapse in 2022. However, the primary and well-documented reason involves Bersatu. At that time, PAS and Bersatu were part of the PN coalition, and PAS desired to include the latter in MN. Umno, however, refused to accept Bersatu and firmly insisted that PAS must leave Bersatu if it wished to continue collaborating with Umno within MN. Both parties showed strong determination. They each had their reasons, which are not worth repeating here. That was then. Now, PAS has established a good relationship, particularly with the creation of an electoral pact with Umno during the PRN in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, resulting in successful cooperation. The reasons behind this cooperation are clear; PAS is willing to make concessions without putting up any conditions. In Johor, PAS secured only 11 seats out of 56 offered by the PRN, while in Negeri Sembilan, it nominated only five candidates. As is widely known, PAS urged its members and supporters to vote for BN candidates in their areas, effectively providing an easy path to BN. PAS clearly desired a good relationship and cooperation with Umno, no matter the cost. There's no need for strong opposition; just accept what Umno wants, as long as cooperation with Umno is achieved. If PAS loses, it's at least seen as a sacrifice by some. This perception is likely due to PAS's formula of compromising with BN-Umno for power, as seen in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. PAS intends to extend this cooperation to PRN Melaka, which will take place this year, offering it to Umno in both Johor and Melaka. Malaysiakini reported on August 22 that Hadi acknowledged PAS's formula may disappoint party members; PAS members are disappointed, empty-handed, and unable to secure seats (in Johor). Hadi stated that PAS should encourage its members to vote for Umno, as Umno will be the aggressor. Umno will protect PAS, urging PAS members to vote for Umno, making both Hadi and PAS members happy. However, Hadi claimed this was done to ensure Pakatan Harapan's defeat. PAS wanting PH to win is not new or surprising. PAS members who Hadi mentioned as happy with his stance are aware of this. So, is PAS providing further explanation for its members to understand the rationale behind PAS's concession to Umno, so they don't remain disappointed like Hadi himself admitted? In summary, focus on the big picture rather than small details: short-term losses for long-term gains. The ultimate goal is national leadership, and PAS believes that cooperation with Umno will lead to that success. However, PAS can only govern independently if Umno agrees. If not, PAS will face unique terms and conditions in the future. I remember the great Umno war of 1987, where Team A, led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, faced Team B headed by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. Musa Hitam also participated in Team B. I asked a right-wing Musa how he felt about the differences between Musa and Tengku Razaleigh. He simply replied, \"We'll deal with that later.\" The point is, PAS offers something to the nation now, but many opinions, including those of some PAS members, focus on Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (Dr Sam), PAS's vice president and PN chairman. He is a candidate for Prime Minister. Recently, a dinner meeting was held in Shah Alam to introduce Dr Sam to non-Malay, non-Muslim audiences. Notable attendees included veteran journalist Terence Netto, who described Dr Sam's introduction as both captivating and not convincing. Writer Terence Fernandez asked which Malaysian would receive Dr Sam: PAS Samsuri or PAS Hadi? If asked, my answer would be both equally, as PAS Sam and PAS Hadi share the same goals and approaches. It's clear that Sam Samsuri and Hadi PAS cannot defeat Hadi. This has been repeatedly stated in my previous writings. So, there's no need to elaborate further. This article presents the author's opinion and does not necessarily reflect FMT's views.",
  "summary": "Formula bertolak ansur dan mengalah akan diteruskan PAS di semua negeri kecuali negeri yang ia perintah.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Bila PAS mengalah…",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/bila-pas-mengalah",
        "published": "2026-08-24T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}