KUALA TERENGGANU: Umno and Pas must hold meetings to discuss possible cooperation and declare the form of understanding needed during and after the 14th General Election, Pas stalwart Datuk Mustafa Ali said today.
Speaking in his personal capacity, the head of the Pas advisory committee said no condition should be set by both parties prior to the meetings.
He was responding to Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa's remark that Umno and PAS were working together on common areas for the benefit of the people, not out of a “political alliance.
"Umno has been making statements about possible cooperation with Pas but there has not been any tangible move to show that the party is serious about it.
"Let’s have a meeting first. Cooperation can take many forms and it will be good to have some ideas that both parties can work on.
“Pas is well aware of its position that it may not be able to form a government on its own. But it is also clear that Pas can play the kingmaker role in case there is a hung parliament.
“We may get the popular votes but not the seats. We have to look into this scenario as well to know our position after the GE," he said.
“While Umno has indicated possible cooperation, Pas on the other hand has yet to respond. Therefore, both sides need to start the process with a meeting. We want a clear picture on how we can work together. As it is, Pas has shut its doors for cooperation with Pakatan Harapan.
“So whether a cooperation is possible or not will have to start with a meeting. We want to know what Umno wants from Pas and vice versa. The common denominator now is that both are Malay-dominant political parties.
“If Pas finds the environment conducive, then the cooperation will be good for the nation.
"We must also consider resistance from the grassroot so any cooperation may not be plain sailing for both Pas and Umno. How we manage the cooperation is also important,” he added.
Asked if he would volunteer to become a mediator in the so-called Umno-Pas meet, Mustafa said there was no need for a mediator as both sides could appoint their own representatives.
On Pas contesting in the general elections, Mustafa said a straight fight with Barisan Nasional was preferable but Pas was also prepared for a three or four cornered fight.