PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has rejected claims that the political cooperation between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Negeri Sembilan state election is merely a political performance.
Instead, he believes the cooperation between PAS and Umno, which forms the backbone of BN, is stronger this time as both parties share similar principles involving Malay and Islamic interests.
“Previously, the disagreements between PAS and Umno were only over certain matters, but there was no difference in our main principles.
“PAS is based on Islam, while Umno is based on Malay interests. Malays and Islam cannot be separated. Our differences were only in approach,” he said.
He said this after delivering a morning religious lecture at Masjid Rusila today.
In the Negeri Sembilan state election, BN and PN have agreed to cooperate, with BN contesting 25 seats while PN will contest 11 seats in the polls scheduled for Aug 1.
Abdul Hadi said the cooperation between both coalitions throughout the campaign period has been positive since nomination day a week ago.
He added that leaders from both parties have been campaigning together, while he is also scheduled to visit Negeri Sembilan next week to support the campaign efforts.
“We want to ensure Malay Muslims govern Negeri Sembilan. Vote for Malay Muslim candidates and non-Muslim candidates from BN and PN who are not extreme.
“Non-Muslims should not be afraid because religion and politics are not separate in Islam,” he said.
