Tok Mat Now Urges Terengganu Test for PAS-Umno Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has proposed an election in PAS-led Terengganu to test the Islamic party’s sincerity in pursuing Malay unity. Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, said if both parties could agree on a formula for seat negotiations in Terengganu, the same approach could be extended to the next general election.

Terengganu Test

Umno was completely wiped out in the 2023 Terengganu state election, failing to win any of the 27 seats it contested, after also losing all eight parliamentary seats in 2022. “I would like to test PAS’s sincerity. If it is sincere, let’s divide parliamentary seats between PAS and Umno,” Mohamad told delegates in his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly.

He stressed that Umno cannot adopt a “one size fits all” approach, noting that political landscapes differ across states. In Negeri Sembilan, Umno and PAS formed an electoral pact that secured 26 of 36 seats. However, negotiations for the upcoming Melaka polls remain uncertain, with Barisan Nasional insisting on contesting the 21 seats it won in 2021, while Perikatan Nasional claims talks are ongoing.

Mohamad said state leaders must negotiate based on what benefits Umno most, ensuring the party gains from any alliance.

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