Umno, Pas must not fight among themselves on road to Putrajaya, says Idris

MELAKA: Umno and Pas must avoid disputes and set aside their differences to ensure their cooperation remains strong.

Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad said internal divisions would only weaken their political strength, reminding leaders of both parties to heed the Quranic warning against discord.

"There are only two choices, we either fight among ourselves or lose. So, which do we want?" he said in a speech before accompanying Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Rais Yasin to the nomination centre at the Multipurpose Hall of the Malaysian Volunteer Corps (Rela) Training Academy in Sungai Udang today.

Also present were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Supreme Council members Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and Datuk Azian Osman, and Pas Central Working Committee member Senator Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.

Idris said cooperation between Umno and Pas was important to ensure Malay-Muslim political strength continued to serve as a cornerstone of the country, which has a multiracial population.

"That is why we want to work together to ensure our struggle is centred on maintaining the dominance of Malay-Muslim political power, which forms the foundation of our strength," he said.

He said efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two parties should not be limited to the Melaka election, but should form part of a broader political agenda aimed at Putrajaya.

"We have seen the wave of rejection against Pakatan Harapan in Sabah and Johor. We have loosened ties slightly in Negri Sembilan and now in Melaka.

"Next, this will be our roadmap towards Putrajaya," he said.

Idris said Pas leaders and supporters in the Sungai Udang state seat had been instructed to give Rais their full support.

He said efforts to reach out to voters should be expanded to various locations, including shops, wedding receptions and other community gathering places, to garner support for Rais.

"Make sure our family members who are living elsewhere return to vote and broaden our campaign outreach to secure Rais's victory," he said.

The Sungai Udang seat will see a three-cornered contest involving Rais, representing BN; Major (Rtd) Abdullah Mahadi of Bersatu; and Mohd Ridzuan Abdul Rahman of Parti Bersama Malaysia.