PAS information chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad said the party wanted to give Umno the space to resolve certain “issues” that had hindered negotiations, especially after its decision to cut ties with PPBM.
“We still have a relationship with PPBM and Muafakat Nasional (MN). That’s why we have certain things that we want to resolve first before negotiating seat allocations,” he told FMT.
Kamaruzaman dismissed the perception that PAS was no longer negotiating seats with Umno, saying it was crucial for a resolution to be reached to avoid seat clashes in GE15.
He said PAS had committed to completing seat negotiations with Umno during MN’s last meeting.
“We are committed to continuing seat negotiations to avoid three-cornered fights in GE15.
“What’s important is that we keep this door open. I’m confident that it can be a success. Although it looks a little difficult, it’s not impossible,” he said.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had said the party rejected any decision that strayed from MN’s original goals.
He also urged Muslim groups to join Perikatan Nasional, giving the impression that it was ditching its alliance with Umno.
But the party later clarified that what Hadi meant was that PAS was against any attempt to divide the ummah.
Previously, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan had confirmed that negotiations were ongoing within MN, with both parties meeting every two weeks.
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