KUALA LUMPUR: An Umno Supreme Council member says the party should not work with Pas so long as it was led by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, citing his "inconsistency".
Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stance against cooperating with Pas because of Hadi was backed by "past disappointments".
He cited the dissolution of Muafakat Nasional (MN), the alliance forged between Umno and Pas in the aftermath of the 14th general election (GE14).
The pact fell apart over a disagreement on including Bersatu, an Umno splinter, in MN.
"Initially, Pas agreed to cooperate with Umno for GE15. However, Hadi was influenced by a group of outdated Pas leaders and they changed their mind," he said.
He said it wasn't just Umno that experienced Hadi's "weak leadership" and "inconsistency", giving the example of the split in Pas which led to the formation of Amanah.
"(These include) notable figures such as Datuk Seri Mohammad Sabu, the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Hatta Ramli and Datuk Mahfuz Omar."
Puad claimed the Islamic party's only goal was to attain power, even if it meant betraying its allies.
He said this was why he believed Pas' next "victim" would be its Perikatan Nasional ally, Bersatu.
Previously, Pas spiritual advisor Datuk Hashim Jasin voiced confidence that the party and Umno could collaborate again. Last week, Zahid said cooperation with Pas was out of the question as long as Hadi was president.
Zahid, who is Deputy Prime Minister, called Pas "liars" who betrayed Umno on many occasions.
In response, Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said Pas would not cooperate with Umno as long as Zahid remained president.
Puad said Umno did not need Pas to reclaim power and instead focus on forming alliances with loyal partners that believe in consensus-based decision-making.
"Umno has been capable of surviving without Pas, we successfully maintained our control in Melaka, Johor and Pahang independently before the GE14.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Umno would be more comfortable cooperating with PH to regain their power.
"This would simplify the issue of seat distribution compared to dealing with Pas, who would demand a larger share of seats."
He said the possibility of reconciliation between Umno and Pas in the future would only occur if Hadi was no longer party president.