World · Malaysia Bureau
Penang PAS critic says Umno figure prioritizes power over Islamic unity
A Penang PAS leader has criticized an Umno assemblyman for advocating continued cooperation between the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional coalitions in the state, suggesting the move undermines efforts toward broader Muslim-majority party collaboration.
LSN Malaysia ·
Fawwaz Jan, a representative from Penang's Islamic party wing, expressed regret over Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol's recent statements supporting the continuation of the PH-BN partnership in Penang state politics.
The remarks highlight ongoing tensions within Malaysia's political landscape over coalition arrangements and party alliances. Fawwaz's criticism suggests that PAS views sustained cooperation between the two major coalitions as an impediment to consolidating support among parties with Islamic mandates.
Rashidi, an Umno politician, had previously called for maintaining the existing political arrangement in Penang, where the DAP-led Pakatan Harapan government has governed since 2018. His position reflects Umno's pragmatic approach to state-level governance, even as the party maintains its broader alliance with Barisan Nasional at the federal level.
The disagreement underscores the complex political dynamics in Penang, where multiple parties pursue divergent strategies regarding coalition partnerships and political positioning ahead of future electoral cycles.