Possible dowry for Umno – PAS reunion?
PUCHONG: PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang reminded his party members of the possible dowry that can be obtained from the Umno – PAS reunion during the Rantau Panjang PAS division meeting last night.
Alcohol consumption ban, dancing in public and free rein in teaching Islam were among the dowry that PAS received when it joined the Alliance in 1972 and BN in 1974.
“The cooperation also allowed activities deemed in conflict to Islam, such as dancing and alcohol consumption, to be ended,” said Hadi who is also Marang MP.
The PAS – Umno reunion in the 1970s ended as a result of the 1977 Kelantan crisis when PAS attempted to remove its Menteri Besar who was leaning towards Umno.
Hadi Awang also said that PAS was not bound by the rules that binded other Alliance component parties.
The Umno – PAS cooperation was reignited in the aftermath of the 14th general election that saw both BN and PAS in the opposition bloc.
The two Muslim parties first political cooperation was during the Seri Setia by – election. The cooperation has been proven fruitful in the Cameron Highlands and Semenyih by-elections.
It is expected to continue in the upcoming Rantau by-election.
There are concerns that the cooperation of both these parties would lead to rising polarization between the Muslim and non – Muslim population.
It must be noted here that PAS obtained the ‘dowry’ while Umno and BN led the federal government.
At present Umno/BN’s administration is limited to Perlis and Pahang whereas PAS formed the state governments in Kelantan and Terengganu.
