The Malaysian Insight

MOHAMAD Khaled Nordin took a dig at PAS and suggested the Islamist party prove its seriousness in bringing diversity to Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Muafakat Nasional (MN) by inviting Amanah and DAP to join the coalition.

The Umno vice-president was responding to a post by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang who said that the party was working with PN to establish a plural society and not just to unite the Malays like Barisan Nasional (BN).

“In your seriousness to unite everyone under PN and MN, I hope you don’t forget to invite Amanah and DAP. Only then will it truly be diverse,” Khaled said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Hadi also criticised Umno for triggering the Johor elections as it was a burden on the people. 

Hadi said that PAS, which has over one million members in 197 areas, will not stand aside and do nothing if Umno continues to call for state elections.

Khaled, however, said that it was necessary for the Johor polls to take place as the state was being held with only a one-seat majority.

“The best way to ensure a strong government with the people’s mandate is via an election.

“We cannot continue to have a government formed only by the manipulation of politicians who at the same time deny the people’s choice.

“While you and PAS like this approach, it is immature and does not uphold the principles of democracy and honesty.”

Commenting on PAS’ strength, Khaled said he hoped the party will prove itself in the Johor elections.

“I acknowledge PAS’ greatness. PAS is a big party and very great. May they prove their strength and greatness in the Johor polls soon.

“Umno will not rely on PAS’ greatness. But don’t blame us if we do not want to cooperate with you.

“Umno only wishes the best for PAS in Johor,” Khaled said in another dig at the Islamist party chief.

The Johor legislative assembly was dissolved on January 22, paving the way for fresh polls within 60 days.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the nomination and polling dates on February 9.

In the recently dissolved assembly, DAP and Umno held the most seats in the state with 14 each, followed by Bersatu (11), PKR (7), Amanah (6), MIC (2) and PAS (1), totalling 55 after the death of Kempas assemblyman Osman Sapian on December 22.

Pakatan Harapan claimed 36 of the 56 state seats in 2018, while Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS managed only 19 and one, respectively.

Following defections by Bersatu and PKR state assemblymen in 2020, BN paired up with PN to rule Johor with a simple majority of 29 seats – which was reduced to 28 after Osman’s death. – January 29, 2022.