PETALING JAYA: As fissures appear to be showing in Umno’s relationship with its Perikatan Nasional (PN)allies, the heads of PPBM and PAS are engaged in a meeting to resolve the political impasse in Perak.
PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang are apparently discussing ways to solve the crisis, before referring to the PN for a final decision.
According to PPBM information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the talks involved the formation of a new state government as well as the selection of the menteri besar.
“At the PPBM-level, we have decided to refer to the PN leadership for further action. So, we will look at the latest developments and discuss with our coalition partners first.
“Once we come to a decision, we will issue an official statement,” he told FMT today.
It is not known why BN representatives were not at the meeting.
Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the party’s priority was to form a new state government with PAS, PPBM and other independent parties.
“There are other options but for me, they are not the priority. The leaders of all the parties involved will certainly make a decision which is best for the state, people and country,” he said in a tweet.
Earlier today, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had spoken about the possibility of forming a coalition with other parties, including those from Pakatan Harapan, to form a new Perak government.
He said this move was necessary following statements by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and PPBM secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin yesterday on their cooperation with Umno.
Takiyuddin said PAS would not take part in the formation of the new state government.
Hamzah, on the other hand, had expressed the party’s disappointment with Umno for colluding with the opposition in supporting a no-confidence vote against the PN menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is also PPBM deputy president.
Following Zahid’s announcement, Perak PH leaders from DAP, Amanah and PKR had voiced their willingness to cooperate with Umno in forming a stable government for the benefit of the people.