Pas-Umno cooperation would unite Malaysians, says former Pas deputy president

(NST) – A former Pas deputy president sees a “new ray of hope” of cooperation between Umno and Pas, which he says proves that Malaysia is heading towards political stability.

Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Nasharudin Mat Isa said today a cooling of attitudes in Pas had become apparent, of late, leading to the possibility of cooperation between the two parties.

He said the current Pas leadership under its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang possessed more neutral tones when it came to the subject of cooperation with Umno and Barisan Nasional as a whole.

Recently, said Nasharudin, the Pas top leadership had expressed its wish to open new paths for discussion with BN.

“The words Umno and BN have always been taboo words in Pas, but views of current leaders who wish to work together prove that the tension between the parties is decreasing. Therefore, I wish to see an electoral pact between the two parties which represented by Malay majorities in the upcoming general election.

“I believe this would greatly benefit Malaysia and it’s people. If the Malays are united then Malaysia will be too,” he said.

Nasharudin said this when answering a question from the audience after delivering a public lecture entitled “The Global Movement of Moderates: Building Bridges and Banishing Barriers Through Moderation” at the Foreign Ministry.

He said the two parties did not necessarily need to form a coalition, but simply sit down together, putting aside their political differences, to discuss issues and matters for the betterment of the Malay community as a whole.

“This is perhaps the best way, in my opinion, for both parties to come together and unite the people. If the people are united, the country will be in peace and harmony.

“There is no point in fighting and arguing. They must prioritise what is important, and that is the people of this country,” he added.