Arrogant Umno leader isolated on Malay unity hopes - Pas VP slams Puad

SHAH ALAM – Pas vice president Datuk Idris Ahmad claimed many Umno leaders and grassroots members still hope for a political alliance with Pas to ensure Malay unity, despite criticism from some within Umno itself.

According to Idris, this stance differs from that of Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi, whom he described as arrogant and self-serving.

On Sunday, Puad claimed that Pas could only maintain its position as a status quo party in Malay-majority areas or the so-called Malay belt due to the blind loyalty of its members towards the party’s leadership. - Bernama file photo

“Only those with vested interests like Puad are angry at Pas.

"Does Puad have some sort of issue, being so furious with Pas President, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang? Don’t be arrogant. I don’t really want to entertain him, nor do I want to criticise Umno too much.

“Many Umno leaders and grassroots members don’t think like Puad. They sincerely want to see Malay unity and still hold hopes of collaborating with Pas,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Idris also questioned Puad’s remarks accusing Pas members of being fanatical.

“If Puad accuses Pas members of being fanatical, is he not fanatical towards Umno leaders who used to rage against DAP and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim? Didn’t they make different promises before and end up doing the opposite?” Idris said.

On Sunday, Puad claimed that Pas could only maintain its position as a status quo party in Malay-majority areas or the so-called Malay belt due to the blind loyalty of its members towards the party’s leadership.

He stated that although Hadi was seen as having a global vision, he lacked appeal and interest among non-Malay voters.

Responding further, Idris said that despite not holding a PhD, he could still write rationally and based on references.

He clarified that Pas members support their leadership because they lead in ways that benefit Islam and the Malay community.

“If they deviate, we will not follow, even if they hold positions in the Syura Council or the party’s highest ranks. Puad himself once left Pas. Wasn’t that also due to fanaticism towards a certain leader? History does not lie. We remain loyal to Pas leaders, even when we lost several top leaders after Hadi decided to cooperate with Umno, considering the threat of political fragmentation among the Malays,” he said.

Idris reminded Puad of the critical role Pas played during the 22 months when the Opposition was in power.

“Do you still remember during those 22 months when you were in the Opposition, who went up and down the country, standing on stages in the name of Muslim unity? Until your party became the Prime Minister and joined the Cabinet. But even while in government, Umno leaders created all sorts of problems. What kind of person is Puad. I just don’t understand,” he added.