KUALA LUMPUR: Pas's decision to delay its cooperation with Umno was due to corrupted and greedy leaders in Barisan Nasional who were hungry for power.
According to a report by Berita Harian, Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the coalition had delayed its plan to cooperate with Umno to address the rising issues within the pact, including corruption.
"Previously, Pas with Bersatu had worked together to oust the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) government until a new government was formed (led by the prime minister from Umno).
"However, there were some Umno leaders who were impatient and wanted to rule, causing the Parliament to dissolve to make way for the 15th general election (GE)," said Hadi.
Hadi also revealed that a few individuals had urged him to allow Pas to continue its cooperation with Umno, through the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact.
He, however, claimed that the cooperation that would be established would be the same as eating "unripe durians", which could cause an upset stomach if eaten.
"Pas will decline any bribe-givers and takers in Umno, just like how PH has them. We requested that Parliament not be dissolved so the focus could be on the floods, but we were ignored as Umno was hasty to gain power.
"In the end, the Parliament was dissolved. Hence, let Umno and BN clear up the confusion while we delay the cooperation," he said.
Yesterday, Hadi said Pas had decided to strengthen its political cooperation with Perikatan Nasional for GE15, for the sake of the unity of the ummah.
At the same time, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said as Pas's decision was expected, BN would continue with its plans to offer stability to the country.
Meanwhile, Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan today said the coalition was still open to the idea of forming a pact with any political party for the upcoming GE15.
"Like other political parties in the country, Pas still has the choice of joining or forming a coalition with any party, said Takiyuddin.
The opportunity, he said, was available until the nomination day of the election.