Don't force Pas to choose between Bersatu and Umno, says Tuan Ibrahim

PUTRAJAYA - Pas should not be forced to choose between Umno and Bersatu in their political cooperation to face the 15th General Election (GE15).

Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said instead, Umno and Bersatu needed to sit down and have an agreement to reach political stability.

"I think there can no longer be an ultimatum to Pas, but I will look towards the future," he said at a press conference, here, on Thursday.

He said the discussions between Umno and Bersatu needed to be done for better politics.

"Pas is prepared to stand together and strengthen the unification of the ummah with the main parties in Malaysia.

He also commented on Bersatu's statement describing Umno as the enemy to the party.

"I think Bersatu's reaction must be similar to that of Umno. If it is one-sided, it won't work," he said.

Tuan Ibrahim said it was possible for Umno and Bersatu to cooperate.

"This is because majority of the leadership in Bersatu originated from Umno.

"If we look at the history of politics, Pas has fought longer with Umno compared to Bersatu. I think there is still room for discussions," he said.

He said claims that Pas had chosen the safe route by dipping its toes in both "pools" was not raised as the most important thing was political stability.

"We are striving for unity," he added.

On Tuesday Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that Pas was expected to finalise its direction whether to cooperate with Umno or PN in the near future.

Pas Mursyidul Am Datuk Hashim Jasin said the party would make its decision next week after its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's,meeting with Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Muhyiddin.