The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has hit back at claims by UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the party carries a “traitor DNA”, instead accusing UMNO of betraying past political cooperation agreements.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he was puzzled by repeated allegations against PAS, arguing that several past political developments suggested UMNO itself had withdrawn support from previously formed alliances.
“I still want to understand what kind of betrayal is being repeatedly referred to. From past political formations, we saw UMNO making the moves,” he said.
He claimed that UMNO had withdrawn support in several states including Johor, Melaka and Perak, leading to changes in state administrations that were previously aligned with Perikatan Nasional (PN).
He also questioned the withdrawal of support that led to the replacement of former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin with Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“Who exactly was responsible for the betrayal when support was pulled from Muhyiddin as Prime Minister?” he asked.
Despite the political dispute, Tuan Ibrahim said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang continues to emphasise the importance of unity among Muslims and Malays for the future of the country.
“The president has reminded everyone about the need for unity for the benefit of the community in the long term,” he said.
He added that PAS remains open to political cooperation but is also prepared for rivalry if necessary.
“We are ready to cooperate, but also prepared if we have to compete,” he said.
The exchange comes after Ahmad Zahid reportedly stated that UMNO would not work with PAS again if the party does not change what he described as its “betrayal tendencies.”
