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KUALA LUMPUR: With the three-way fights looming now that Barisan Nasional has decided to go solo on GE15, Umno has instructed its leaders at all levels to “stay close” to the PAS.
Umno Secretary General Ahmad Maslan said this was important as it was not yet clear how PAS support would change if Umno and PPBM collided, along with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly here today, Ahmad hoped PAS would also choose to be with Umno as the “friendship” between the two sides had blossomed in 2019.
“At that time, PPBM was in PH with PKR and DAP. We were already with PAS. Our relationship with PAS has been longer than that of PPBM.
“So I have spoken with the state leaders: if there is a three-way fight, it will be very important for them to be close to the PAS. Hopefully, the leadership and supporters of PAS will also be with us, ”he said.
He also said the party had not given PAS a deadline to choose between Umno or PPBM, despite calls from various leaders, including Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, for the Islamist party to declare its position.
Ahmad said PAS was still trying to be the bridge between Umno and PPBM, but maintained that the ship has already sailed.
“We have finalized our position on our relationship with PPBM. If PAS wants to be the bridge, it is unlikely to happen.
“The important thing is that the relationship between Umno and PAS has been agreed by all the speakers (in the assembly) so far, and this is a good thing.”
