Sanusi: Too early for seat talks as Kedah PAS, Umno explore political cooperation

Sanusi stressed that the meeting should not be interpreted as the start of formal cooperation between PAS and Umno in Kedah, describing it instead as an initial step towards creating a more positive environment between the two parties. — Picture via Facebook/Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor

By Malay Mail

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 12:25 PM MYT

ALOR SETAR, Sept 16 — Kedah PAS and Umno are focusing on creating a positive environment for further discussions on political cooperation, with no requests yet made over seat allocations, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor reportedly said.

According to the New Straits Times, Sanusi, who is also PAS central election director, said it was still too early for the two parties to discuss the allocation of seats.

“It is still too early to discuss seat allocations. Umno has not asked for anything yet.

“There has been no specific request as we are still at an early stage.

“There will be follow-up discussions later. Once there is a decision at the central level on cooperation between the two parties, we will meet again,” he was quoted as saying.

The New Straits Times reported that Sanusi was speaking after receiving a courtesy visit from the Kedah Umno leadership at the Kedah Menteri Besar’s official residence, Seri Mentaloon, yesterday afternoon.

The Umno delegation was led by Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Alor Setar Umno division chief and former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.

PAS was represented by Kedah commissioner and PAS Central Ulama Council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahya, deputy commissioner II Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Sheikh Fakhrurazi and Kedah secretary Senator Musoddaq Ahmad.

Sanusi stressed that the meeting should not be interpreted as the start of formal cooperation between PAS and Umno in Kedah, describing it instead as an initial step towards creating a more positive environment between the two parties.

“This is not formal cooperation. We need to create a positive environment first. There needs to be a positive environment before we can move on to further discussions.

“This is part of the process. It was a casual discussion, a courtesy visit by Kedah Umno to Kedah PAS and a conversation about the current political scenario,” he was quoted as saying.

Sanusi said the meeting also gave leaders from both parties an opportunity to share their political experiences and discuss Kedah’s future.

He described the gathering as a meeting between experienced political “old hands” who understood the ins and outs of Kedah politics.

“These are people with experience and sufficient understanding who know the ins and outs of Kedah. So, we had a chat.

“I am grateful to all the Umno veterans who visited the official residence of the Menteri Besar.

“We chatted, shared experiences from the past and discussed our expectations for the future,” he was quoted as saying.