Pas has proposed the formation of a broad political coalition involving Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional and parties from Sabah and Sarawak, saying such an alliance would provide greater political stability and strengthen Malay-Muslim unity ahead of the 16th General Election.
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party hoped recent electoral cooperation between BN and PN in Johor and Negri Sembilan would pave the way for a wider political understanding involving Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Of course, if we can establish a ‘big tent’ coalition involving BN, PN and parties from Sabah and Sarawak such as GRS and GPS, I believe that would be the best outcome.
“It would give the people a clear picture of the country’s political direction,” he said in an interview with Berita Harian.
Tuan Ibrahim said Pas believed the Johor election had demonstrated the benefits of electoral cooperation between BN and PN, despite the party failing to win any of the seats it contested.
He said Pas entered the election primarily to prevent Pakatan Harapan, particularly DAP, from expanding its influence in Johor.
“When Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang instructed our supporters to back BN candidates in seats not contested by PN, the strategy clearly produced results.
“We hope this becomes the starting point for uniting the two major Malay parties, Pas and Umno.”
He said the division of the Malay vote had reached a critical stage and needed to be addressed before the next general election.
“It is time for the two main Malay parties to sit down together and find a political approach that does not disadvantage the Malay community.
“We have already seen this approach adopted in the Negri Sembilan election, and we hope it can be strengthened further ahead of GE16.”
Tuan Ibrahim acknowledged that previous efforts under Muafakat Nasional had failed largely due to strained relations between Umno and Bersatu.
“We have to admit that relations between Umno and Bersatu remain difficult, making consensus challenging.
“Pas has tried to act as a mediator, although there are weaknesses and significant obstacles. Even so, we should not stop trying.”
He described Muafakat Nasional as a political brand that had been widely accepted by Malays despite its relatively short lifespan.
“We are now working towards Muafakat Nasional 2.0, although participation may differ from before.”
Asked whether Pas would accept Umno as the dominant Malay political party if cooperation resumed, Tuan Ibrahim said leadership should not be the primary issue.
“What matters is political understanding, not which party leads.
“There are states where Umno is strong and others where it is weak. Continued division will only create opportunities for our political opponents.”
He also dismissed suggestions that Umno’s Rumah Bangsa initiative should be viewed as cooperation with PH.
“The name is not important. What matters is agreeing on the principles and foundations of cooperation.
“We can differ on other matters as long as we share the same core objectives.”
Tuan Ibrahim said Johor and Negri Sembilan would serve as important tests of whether electoral cooperation between BN and PN could reduce vote splitting and improve opposition prospects against PH.
He added that any future political cooperation must be founded on integrity rather than power-sharing alone.
“Political cooperation must never become a pathway for corruption, abuse of power or misconduct.
“Politics is not merely about winning elections. It is about guiding the country towards what is right and beneficial.” – NST
