UMNO Youth has welcomed PAS’ call urging Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in constituencies where PN is not contesting in the Johor state election.
Its chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said the move marks a positive step towards strengthening ummah unity, an aspiration long championed by Malay leaders for the benefit of religion, the community and the nation.
He said the development suggests there is still room to enhance cooperation among Malay and Muslim political parties.
According to Akmal, the Johor state election could serve as a starting point for such efforts before similar cooperation is expanded to other states holding future elections.
He described PAS’ position as a positive development that should be embraced with an open mind to ensure the agenda of empowering the Malay and Muslim community continues.
Akmal was responding to PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man’s call for PN supporters to back BN candidates in seats where the coalition is not contesting, with the aim of preventing Pakatan Harapan (PH) from winning those constituencies.
The UMNO Youth chief also noted that PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang had previously indicated that the party would not campaign for Bersatu candidates.
In light of that, Akmal expressed hope that PAS machinery would instead assist BN candidates, particularly in constituencies contested by Bersatu.
He thanked PAS for its stance and said he hoped the move would become the foundation for stronger political cooperation in the future.
