Khairy, Hishammuddin Could Strengthen PAS-Umno-BN Coalition, Says Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan

PETALING JAYA: Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan has warned against underestimating the potential strength of a PAS and Umno-BN coalition, particularly if influential leaders like Khairy Jamaluddin and Hishammuddin Hussein are brought back into Umno’s fold. According to him, such a move could solidify the coalition’s position and reshape the political landscape.

He also highlighted the potential role of the “Najib factor” in uniting PAS, Umno, and Bersatu. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara noted that a shared belief in placing former prime minister Najib Razak under house arrest could become the unifying element for the three Malay-based parties, enabling them to work together during or after the next general election.

“PAS and Bersatu need Umno’s influence to expand their voter base, while Umno would see working with these parties as a way to strengthen its position among Malay voters,” Azmi said. He added that PAS is leveraging Najib’s situation for political mileage through its rally, which has drawn interest from Umno.

However, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng criticized Umno for its willingness to join the PAS-led rally, questioning its loyalty to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia also expressed skepticism about the formation of a new Muafakat Nasional, citing Zahid Hamidi’s commitment to the unity government.

Syaza warned that the rally could strain relations between Umno and Pakatan Harapan, potentially paving the way for PAS and Umno to realign if cooperation between Umno and PH falters in GE16.

In response to Lim’s remarks, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi clarified that the party had planned its own rally long before PAS’s announcement.

Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan concluded by emphasizing the strategic importance of integrating figures like Khairy Jamaluddin and Hishammuddin Hussein into Umno to revitalize its influence and further consolidate the coalition with PAS and Bersatu.