Hadi hopes BN-PN cooperation continues beyond Melaka polls

MELAKA: The cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional is being strengthened as part of efforts to rebuild unity among Muslims in Malaysia, Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said.

He said the BN-PN cooperation in the Melaka election had shown more positive progress compared with their previous experiences in the Negri Sembilan and Johor elections.

He said the development also reflected growing efforts towards perpaduan ummah (Muslim unity), based on the principle of justice for all communities, with the Malays and Muslims playing a leading role.

"The cooperation between BN and PN in Melaka is stronger than what we saw in Negri Sembilan and Johor.

"Efforts towards Muslim unity are gaining momentum. This is not about Malay supremacy, but about ensuring justice for everyone, with the Malays and Muslims taking the lead.

"This is what we want to achieve. The BN-PN cooperation in Melaka will become even stronger, extending to the general election," he told a press conference after the BN and PN grand finale rally for the 16th Melaka election at Bukit Katil here yesterday.

Also present were Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan) president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

Earlier, in his speech at the same rally, Hadi, who is also Marang member of Parliament, reminded Muslims against allowing themselves to be divided.

He used the analogy of a pestle and mortar clashing to illustrate how internal disagreements could ultimately benefit a third party.

"Muslims must not be divided, otherwise others will benefit. It is like a pestle and mortar pounding against each other. The harder they clash, the more chickens benefit.

"The chickens get to eat while we go hungry. We are fighting among ourselves.

"We must unite. Through unity, we can rebuild our strength to save the country. That is why we are pursuing this BN-PN cooperation," he said.

Hadi also expressed hope that the cooperation would continue until the next general election, indicating that the understanding was not limited to the Melaka election.

On Oct 29, BN signed a political cooperation agreement with PN to contest the Melaka election.

The agreement was signed by Asyraf on behalf of BN, while PN was represented by Takiyuddin. The signing was witnessed by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.