Takiyuddin confirms negotiations with 'certain' Umno leaders

ALOR SETAR - Negotiations between Pas and Umno to establish cooperation are ongoing ahead of the 15th general elections (GE15), said the Islamic party secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

He said the discussions between the two parties "do not necessarily involve certain leaders."

"I can confirm what the Pas president told us that there are ongoing discussions with Umno and it does not necessarily involve certain leaders," he said, adding the discussions are at a certain level but he could not reveal more.

Takiyuddin further said the Umno leaders have positions in the party and influence to discuss with Pas.

"Not necessarily the one who can make the decision but it could lead to the direction of having a more formal discussion," he said.

"That's why I say there is still light (at the end of the tunnel) for both parties in GE15. In politics, it does not mean we can only hold official discussions, there can also be unofficial (discussions)" he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the 68th Central Pas Annual Summit was postponed at Kedah Pas Complex on Sunday.

Yesterday, Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that there were no negotiations between Umno and Pas as claimed by Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. He had said Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) have decided to contest solo in GE15.

Takiyuddin, the Kota Bharu MP added the voice of the grassroots to negotiate with Umno was crucial.

"Our position is consistent. We negotiate and we are ready in any situation as long as there is no dissolution of Parliament or GE15," he explained.

He added all Pas leaders will receive a mandate from the party to find the best solution.

"Pas is consistent over the unification of the ummah with Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Muafakat Nasional (MN). I am optimistic that at some point there will be an official discussion," he added.

He said Pas has consistently rejected cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) including the big tent concept of working together.