MARANG: Pas president Tan Sri Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang has dismissed claims that cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional in the Negri Sembilan election is a charade.
He said both coalitions had demonstrated their commitment throughout the campaign period.
“The understanding between both coalitions is not a charade,” he said after Friday prayers at Masjid Rusila.
“We spent money… Pas members went out to campaign on their own dime, giving it their all. Umno’s machinery did the same.”
The Marang member of parliament commended the unity shown by the respective campaign machineries.
“Joint ceramahs are being organised at various levels, proving that this unity is real,” he said.
“It is very good, very good. I will also be going down to speak next week.”
Commenting on the split between Pas and Umno that ended the short-lived Muafakat Nasional pact, Hadi said phases of “marriage and divorce” in politics are normal.
He said while differences of opinion occurred, there were no policy disagreements between the two parties.
“Pas’ struggle is based on Islam, while Umno’s struggle centres on the Malays. Malays and Islam are inseparable. We only differ in approach, not policy,” he said.
On the future sustainability of ties between both parties, Hadi said he hoped that cooperation would continue for the sake of the people and the nation.
