Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has extended an olive branch to PAS, calling for unity after several party leaders began subtly criticising Bersatu following the appointment of a new Perlis Menteri Besar.
In a Facebook post, the Merlimau assemblyman directly addressed PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, one of the most vocal critics, in what appeared to be a strategically timed gesture of reconciliation.
“Former friends devour one another, and allies can turn into rivals… but God willing, we can turn rivals into friends @Fadhli Shaari,” Dr Akmal wrote.
The remarks came after Ahmad Fadhli questioned PAS–Bersatu relations in the wake of the Menteri Besar’s appointment, posting on Facebook: “Former friends devour one another. It means allies have chosen to become rivals.”
Fadhli had also urged Bersatu to take action against assemblymen who allegedly withdrew their support for former Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.
Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Perlis, Dr Akmal further proposed reviving Muafakat Nasional (MN), the former political alliance between Umno and PAS. He suggested dissolving Perikatan Nasional (PN) and re-establishing MN instead.
“Since we are dissolving it anyway, why not dissolve PN altogether and re-establish Muafakat Nasional? What do you think?” he said.
Responding to the proposal, Ahmad Fadhli welcomed the suggestion, describing it as crucial to consolidating and reinvigorating unity among the ummah.
