Umno seeks unity with PAS
(The Straits Times) – MALAYSIA'S ruling party, whose popularity has declined in recent years, invited Islamic opposition leaders on Friday to set aside decades of acrimony and consider forming an alliance.
The call by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin could intensify a rare factional dispute in the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, over whether it should seek rapprochement with its longtime rival, the governing United Malays National Organisation, Umno.
A worsening rift within the ranks of PAS would benefit Umno, which competes with PAS for the support of the ethnic Malay Muslim majority. It has dominated Malaysian politics for more than 50 years.
The number of seats held by Umno in the 222-member Parliament fell by nearly one-third to 79 in general elections last year, following criticism that it was overrun by corruption and weak moral leadership. PAS more than tripled its seats to 23.
Mr Muhyiddin, Umno's deputy president, on Friday urged PAS to initiate formal discussions between both sides on the possibility of forming a 'unity government' to share power, the national news agency Bernama reported.
'We will not impose any conditions (for the talks) and we accept whatever terms set by PAS,' Bernama quoted Mr Muhyiddin as telling reporters in northern Malaysia. 'We have to be open. … We hope (a meeting can take place) in the next few days, anytime.'
PAS has been hit in recent weeks by an open feud between a faction that supports the proposed talks and others who are suspicious of Umno and fear any move that could undermine the opposition alliance that eroded the government's parliamentary majority in last year's election.
The spiritual leader of PAS on Wednesday called for the resignation of the party's deputy president, who is considered the main advocate of the talks. The opposition alliance's other two parties generally also disapprove of any talks.
PAS leaders did not immediately respond to Mr Muhyiddin's invitation, but they are expected to meet sometime in the next week to discuss their party's official stance.
Mr Muhyiddin said both sides should meet to ease rifts among Malay Muslims who are divided over political allegiances. He stressed that though the parties have a long history of bickering, they should forgive each other and work together for the country's benefit. He denied that Umno's hope of winning over PAS was due to the government's reduced support. Umno is the dominant force in a 13-party ruling coalition that has led Malaysia since 1957, but the coalition currently holds less than a two-thirds parliamentary majority. — AP
