PAS softens stance for unity

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

PAS has adopted a more conciliatory stance toward Umno, with party president Abdul Hadi Awang emphasizing the importance of unity over leadership ambitions and noting improved relations between the two parties. This shift aims to strengthen Malay-Muslim political cooperation ahead of the Melaka state elections, with ongoing negotiations between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional and reciprocal commitments to continued dialogue.

PAS has signaled a shift toward a more conciliatory approach in its efforts to strengthen unity among Malay-Muslim political factions, particularly with Umno. The party’s president, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, emphasized the need for wisdom and restraint to prevent divisions within the community during his closing remarks at the 72nd PAS muktamar in Petaling Jaya on Sunday.

Abdul Hadi noted improvements in the relationship between PAS and Umno, illustrating the change with an analogy: where once Umno leaders were confrontational, “yelling” at PAS, their interactions have since softened to “whispering” — a sign of growing mutual respect. He underscored that the focus should not be on leadership positions following an electoral victory but rather on addressing existing divisions and crises within the political landscape.

“Some people ask, if PAS wins, who will become prime minister? We do not need to fight over who will become prime minister," Abdul Hadi said, stressing the party’s priority of unity over personal ambition.

At a subsequent press briefing, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan addressed rumors that the absence of Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the muktamar signaled a breakdown in cooperation between the two parties ahead of the Melaka state elections. Takiyuddin dismissed these claims as unfounded, confirming ongoing political negotiations that are expected to continue shortly.

He added that Perikatan Nasional, the coalition in which PAS holds a leading role, is scheduled to hold a meeting later this month. The agenda will include bolstering political collaboration, preparing for the Melaka polls, and reviewing strategies in anticipation of the next general election. Takiyuddin affirmed that relations between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional remain positive and on track but clarified that Pakatan Harapan and PKR are not involved in current cooperation discussions.

In a reciprocal gesture, PAS will send representatives, including Takiyuddin, to attend the 2026 Umno general assembly set to begin on September 9. The move is seen as a sign of continued dialogue and a commitment to maintaining open channels between the two parties.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.