Push for PAS unity talks
Najib's comments could fuel growing split within Islamic party as well as in opposition
By Hazlin Hassan, The Straits Times
UMNO appears to be fuelling an ongoing controversy within the ranks of Islamist party Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) over talks of a unity government between the two parties.
Prime Minister Najib Razak said yesterday he could 'sense that PAS is sincere' in wanting a unity government, and that Umno was open to discussions on the matter – a statement that could worsen the divide within PAS and could affect the opposition party's performance in a coming by-election.
'Umno is always open and ready to listen and consider any proposals from PAS,' Datuk SeriNajib told reporters, comparing such unity talks to a marriage proposal. 'We have to risik-risik (discuss) first. Like if we want to get married, we have to discuss first. Whether it happens or not, fate will decide.'
Some Barisan Nasional (BN) politicians have already welcomed the idea, with Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin pushing for talks.
Such reactions from Umno and BN will do little to soothe a growing split within PAS and the opposition over the issue.
The party is already broken into two warring factions – the pro-Umno conservatives, led by party president Hadi Awang, and the faction that favours closer ties with the opposition and its leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The raw divisiveness was brought to the fore during PAS' annual congress earlier this month, when MrHadi and his deputy Nasharudin Mat Isa – who held unity talks with Umno in March last year – insisted that the door remained open for discussions with Umno. It prompted fierce resistance from many party delegates.
Spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat even condemned willing PAS leaders as nothing but 'Umno puppets'.
Angry comments have been hurled by PAS' key partners within Pakatan Rakyat (PR), who are annoyed by the very idea of joining forces with their arch-enemy.
Democratic Action Party chairman Karpal Singh was so incensed that he demanded an apology from MrHadi, calling him an 'embarrassment' to PR.
'Umno is always open and ready to listen and consider any proposals from PAS. We have to risik-risik (discuss) first. Like if we want to get married, we have to discuss first. Whether it happens or not, fate will decide.'
Prime Minister Najib Razak, Umno president
CAUSING CONFUSION
'We want to strengthen Pakatan Rakyat and get rid of Umno. Umno is aware of it, but it wants to create confusion to raise doubts on PAS' direction.'
PAS lawmaker Khalid Samad
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PAS: Umno distorting what we said
It is common for Umno to twist the words of PAS leaders to portray the party as militant, PAS deputy commissioner II Datuk Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said.
“I would like Umno to provide proof that PAS leaders had urged supporters to defend a state seat at any cost including by shedding blood.
“PAS will adhere to all rules and regulations stipulated by the Election Commission and I hope Umno will do the same,” he said at his office here.
He was asked to comment on newspaper reports quoting Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Mustapa Mohamad as saying certain PAS leaders were inciting violence to defend the Manek Urai state seat. – The Star
