Cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS may not necessarily guarantee political stability among Malays or in Malaysia, amid competition between the two parties for political dominance in upcoming elections.
Former UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said BN’s decision to field a candidate in the Sungai Udang state constituency for the 16th Melaka State Election (PRN) showed that the party was rejecting Wawasan.
He said the move could also signal BN’s intention to contest all 19 parliamentary seats held by Wawasan in the 16th General Election (GE16).
“BN fielding a candidate in Sungai Udang proves that it rejects Wawasan. It is also a signal that BN will field candidates in all 19 parliamentary seats held by Wawasan in GE16,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Puad added that PAS would likely defend Wawasan, just as it had previously defended Bersatu during the early days of Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“PAS will not allow BN to become dominant. That is why BN-PAS cooperation does not necessarily guarantee political stability among Malays or in the country.
“It is also far from certain that Zahid can become Prime Minister. PAS has other plans and is not ready to be forced onto the same platform as UMNO,” he said.
On Saturday, Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced Tangga Batu UMNO division chief Datuk Rais Yasin as the coalition’s candidate for Sungai Udang. Rais previously contested the Paya Rumput state seat.
Sungai Udang was contested by Wawasan candidate Dr Aleef Yusof under the PN banner in the previous election. He has also expressed his intention to defend the seat.
The latest development has raised questions over the prospects of political cooperation between BN and PAS, particularly if both parties continue competing for the same constituencies.
