PAS’ position could change depending on how its president, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, interprets the situation, according to former UMNO supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
Puad said this presented a dilemma for UMNO, particularly if the party considers working with PAS ahead of the 16th General Election, as any uncertainty could carry significant political risks.
He said establishing cooperation with PAS would not be straightforward, especially amid differing views within the PN leadership over the status of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
“Abdul Hadi said the statement by PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar that Bersatu remains a PN member is based on what is stated in the PN constitution.
“But according to Abdul Hadi, Bersatu has ceased to be part of PN based on the party’s actions,” Puad said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Puad questioned whether PAS would follow the written provisions of the PN constitution or rely on Abdul Hadi’s interpretation of the situation.
His remarks came after Abdul Hadi questioned Bersatu’s decision to contest against PN in the Negri Sembilan state election, adding another layer to the disagreement over the coalition’s internal arrangements.
The issue stems from differing positions between Abdul Hadi and Ahmad Samsuri, who is also Terengganu Menteri Besar, over whether Bersatu remains a member of PN.
Earlier, Abdul Hadi claimed Bersatu’s membership in PN had automatically lapsed following Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement about plans to establish a new political coalition.
However, Ahmad Samsuri was reported to have said that Bersatu’s position within PN remained unchanged despite claims that its membership had ended following the proposed formation of the new coalition.
The contrasting positions have highlighted questions over the direction and cohesion of PN, with the matter potentially becoming a significant consideration for parties assessing future political cooperation ahead of GE16.
