SINTOK: The political union between Umno and Pas has been deemed as a loose cooperation implemented for the sake of their own respective political struggle
PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the political cooperation between both parties was merely an understanding inked by both parties.
“It is a loose cooperation, in fact Pas was previously part of Barisan Nasional (BN), Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah (APU), Barisan Alternatif and Pakatan Rakyat, but then went its separate way.
“Pas’ political history shows that the party is able to sit with other parties but than it would go off on its own.
“Pas’ previous (political) record could be evaluated in this new political cooperation,” he said after the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah launched the Food Bank Siswa at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) here today.
Saifuddin, who is also the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) minister, however said the political cooperation was a positive step towards the two party system.
“The country's politics will be more vibrant and the political union will create an image which will serve as a contest between PH and Umno-Pas.
"It will provide an opportunity for the people to evaluate coalition and policy-based integration, thus leading to political maturity in the country," he said.
Saifuddin was commenting on the political charter signed by the two one time political nemesis at the Muslim Unity Gathering (Himpunan Penyatuan Ummah) yesterday.
The historic move officially marked the beginning of the political collaboration between the two Malay/Muslim-based parties in the country.
Meanwhile, some 300 students at UUM received food donations mobilised through the Central Food Pantry (Central Food Pantry) method to help ease their burden.
To date, more than 4,000 public university undergraduate students nationwide have benefited from the programme launched by KPDNHEP since March.