{
  "id": 6874216,
  "title": "Umno sets up committee to explore cooperation with Pas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/umno-sets-up-committee-to-explore-cooperation-with-pas",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T06:19:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1531150/umno-sets-committee-explore-cooperation-pas"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: The United Malays National Organisation (Umno) is establishing a negotiation committee to explore potential political cooperation with the Islamist party, Pas, according to Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno's secretary-general. The decision follows calls for closer ties with Pas from party delegates at the 2026 Umno general assembly. Asyraf stated that Umno has previously negotiated with both Pas and Perikatan Nasional (PN) during past elections, but the recent assembly discussions indicated a growing inclination towards direct engagement with the Pas leadership. He emphasized that the party leadership will carefully consider the views expressed by delegates when deciding the direction of future political cooperation. The formation of the committee is an internal move to prepare Umno for potential discussions, and it does not imply that formal negotiations with Pas have already commenced. The timing and scope of any talks will depend on the political situation and the decisions of the party leadership. Any cooperation would need to consider Umno's interests and the broader political landscape. Umno president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also hinted at possible closer cooperation with Pas during his policy speech, saying \"when blue meets green, the colours will surely change.\"",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will form a negotiation committee to handle possible political cooperation with Pas, as calls grow within the party for closer ties with the Islamist party.",
  "key_points": [
    "Umno forming negotiation committee to explore cooperation with Pas.",
    "Decision based on calls for closer ties from delegates at 2026 general assembly.",
    "Committee prepares Umno for potential discussions, not implying formal negotiations."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Umno's move to set up a committee to explore cooperation with Pas signals a potential shift in its political strategy, driven by growing internal support for closer ties with the Islamist party.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}