A New Umno-Pas pact

Sungai Kandis by-election heralds a new Umno-Pas pact

MOHD ISKANDAR IBRAHIM

New Straits Times
31 July 2018, 3:13 AM GMT

KLANG: The Sungai Kandis by-election is hoped to be the starting point of future joint endeavours between Umno and Pas in matters relating to Islam, Malays and Bumiputera communities.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said cooperation or understanding between the two largest Malay parties would lead to a stronger voice in the country’s politics.

“Today, you see the Bumiputera rights being challenged, Mara to be dismantled and (its role) delegated to several ministries. This is an affront to our pride and dignity. We are becoming more and more divided. “But I am grateful that the Sungai Kandis by-election is serving as a point where a greater understanding between Umno and Pas is taking place. “Umno and Pas are the two largest Malay parties. If we can promote such similarities between the two, it will mean a lot to the country’s political landscape,”

Mohamad said in his speech at the Barisan Nasional campaign programme in Seri Andalas here last night. Also present were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, party supreme council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Tanjung Karang member of Parliament Tan Sri Noh Omar.

Mohamad said he himself had met with Pas’s top leadership a number of times in efforts to promote cooperation.

“I had met them about three to four times and finally, after 60 years of rivalry (with Umno), Pas is saying that it is a must to oppose Pakatan Harapan and vote for Umno in the by-election. This is a (good) sign.

“I am confident that if there is a will among the Malays to attain our ambitions, we can do it. Let us forget about PH’s election manifesto since it is clear that it could not be implemented. Even if it can be implemented, the country’s economy will be adversely affected.”

He said a victory for BN would mean a victory for the Malay struggles.

“It will be a referendum over the people’s protest against PH’s unfulfilled manifesto.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said cooperation or understanding between the two largest Malay parties would lead to a stronger voice in the country’s politics.

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