PAS urged to handle PN suspension with professionalism, not revenge

Former Umno figure Puad Zarkashi has advised the Islamic party to maintain professional standards while dealing with the suspension of Perikatan Nasional, cautioning against allowing grievances to cloud political decisions.

Zarkashi noted that Umno itself faced existential challenges following its defeat in the 2018 general election, when the party was sidelined from federal power after decades of dominance. Despite the severity of that blow, he said, the party refrained from harboring resentment toward its political opponents or seeking vengeance through institutional means.

The remarks underscore ongoing tensions within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which comprises PAS, Umno, Bersatu, and other smaller parties. The suspension has created friction among alliance members as they navigate their collective political interests and internal disputes.

Zarkashi's intervention suggests that seasoned political operators view restraint and professionalism as essential during periods of coalition strain. His comparison to Umno's past difficulties serves as a reminder that political fortunes can shift, and actions taken during contentious moments may have long-term consequences for inter-party relations.