PAS Should Not Doubt Perak Umno's Offer Of Cooperation - Zahid

IPOH, July 29 (Bernama) -- PAS should not doubt Perak Umno's sincerity to offer cooperation in forming a new state government as it is a noble effort to unite Malays and Muslims, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said although PAS felt "cheated" by Umno when it was part of Barisan Nasional (BN) in 1973, "an old story should not be revisited but instead serve as a lesson for both parties".

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datoh Umno division chief, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was not the type of leader who would adopt a deceitful approach to erode PAS' influence.

"I think the fear (over PAS-Umno cooperation) is not among PAS leaders but among DAP leaders who are now feeling the heat," he told reporters after meeting with officers from the Information Ministry's agencies, namely Bernama, RTM, Information Department and Special Affairs Department, here Tuesday.

"This is because when PAS starts to hold discussions with Umno, DAP will lose its 'fangs'. Don't look at the DAP agenda but our own agenda for the benefit of both parties (PAS and Umno)," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the Federal Action Council for Perak.

Perak Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali Monday offered a proposed merged entity of Umno and PAS to form a new government in the state for a stronger and more stable state government.

However, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin rejected the offer and reiterated Perak PAS' commitment to remain in Pakatan Rakyat with DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

Ahmad Zahid said although the decision would ultimately be made by the PAS top leadership, Mohammad Nizar should consider the proposal as it would make for greater political stability for the benefit of Perak residents.

"What is interesting about the offer is that it does not involve the Menteri Besar's post which will continue to be held by PAS but the posts of executive councillors (exco) will be divided accordingly."

Ahmad Zahid proposed that six exco posts including the MB's post be given to PAS, Umno be given five and MCA one, and the Speaker's post to PAS while two Senators' posts be divided between Umno and PAS.

He said before the swearing in of the Menteri Besar after the March 8 general election, Tajol Rosli had asked him to convey the offer for PAS to form a coalition government with BN in Perak but was rejected by PAS' state leaders.

"Perhaps at that time, the openness was not there yet but the political scenario now has changed. I don't think the state PAS commissioner Ahmad Awang is averse to the idea of Perak Umno-PAS cooperation," he added.

-- BERNAMA