Najib factor could unite
PAS, Umno and Bersatu,
says analyst
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara says an alliance could result in a ‘win-win’ outcome for all three parties.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said a shared belief that Najib should be placed under house arrest might pave the way for PAS, Umno and Bersatu to work together during or after the next general election.
He said an alliance may present a “win-win” outcome for all three parties.
Azmi had previously claimed that PAS was looking to gain political mileage by organising a rally to show the party’s concern for Najib.
Commenting on DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng’s criticism of Umno for its willingness to participate in the rally organised by PAS, Azmi told FMT:
“PAS and Bersatu need Umno’s clout to expand their voter base, while Umno would be willing to work with the two parties to strengthen its position among Malay voters.”
The once dominant Umno’s poor electoral performances since the last general election have shown that the party is struggling to regain the Malay vote.
Azmi said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s remarks last month that the party’s cooperation with the unity government would continue until the next nationwide poll was intended to leave open the possibility of the three parties working together.
However, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia noted that the gathering is unlikely to result in the formation of Muafakat Nasional 2.0, citing Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s firm commitment to the unity government until the next general election.
However, she said that the event could strain relations between Umno and Pakatan Harapan, adding, “If Umno and PH fail to cooperate for GE16, PAS might find an opportunity to collaborate with Umno.”
On Tuesday, Lim hit out at Zahid for Umno’s willingness to participate in the PAS-led rally, saying it raised doubts about Umno’s commitment to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.
In response, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi explained that the party had planned to hold its own rally long before PAS announced its plans.
‘Alliance may be short-lived’
Syed Arabi Idid of the International Islamic University Malaysia believes the opposition party may be using the rally as part of its strategy to put pressure on the government.
He also cautioned that any alliance between the three parties could be short-lived, given their history of only being able to unite against common adversaries like DAP or PH.
“Their differences will resurface once the immediate threat is gone,” he said.
Meanwhile, James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Umno’s push for Najib to be placed under house arrest was understandable as the former Umno president still commands massive support within the party.
“The bigger question is why is PAS also doing this (championing Najib’s cause) when he was an enemy of PAS previously.”
Chin said he could not fault Lim for his reaction, saying the question the DAP national chairman posed was one that was being asked widely.
“What are Umno and PAS up to? Are they really collaborating solely on this issue or is there something else going on behind the scenes?”
Last week, Kelantan Umno chief Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub denied the presence of political motivations behind PAS’s show of support for Najib.
PAS’s rally will coincide with Najib’s application to the Court of Appeal for leave to adduce fresh evidence in his appeal to be placed under house arrest as decreed by former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Najib claims the former king had during his reign issued a supplementary order allowing for him to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest which the Federal Territories’ Pardons Board omitted to announce on Feb 2.
More than 200 busloads of Umno and PAS members are expected to attend the rally. Bersatu leaders are also expected to be present.
UMMAH DEMI HINA ISLAM....UMMAH BERSAMA BANDUAN....UMMAH UNTUK HANCURKAN MALAYSIAL.....This is the reason the FACIST RACIST TERRORIST HAMAS LOVER RELIGION HAVE NO HOPE ..... TIME TO RETALIATE LIKE ISREAL......NO MERCY...SEND MALAYSIAL TO THE STONE AGE......INI KALI LAH....AFTER KELUAR MALAYSIAL And SABAH SARAWAK SACK MALAYA JOIN SINGAPORE.....WE NO SCARED OF USELESS MALAYSIAL CORRUPTED ARMY...AND STILL MISSING ATTACK SHIP LCS $8 BILLION RINGGIT...PI MAMPUS LAH PENYOKONG BANDUAN DAN PENCINTA HAMAS!!
ReplyDelete