Umno and Pas signal potential electoral pact in Malaysia

Political leaders in Malaysia are signaling a potential rapprochement between Umno and Pas, raising the possibility of a new electoral pact known as “Muafakat Nasional 2.0”. Recent cooperation between the two largest Malay-based parties in Johor and Negeri Sembilan has served as a template for working together against Pakatan Harapan.

At the recent Pas annual muktamar in Kelantan, senior Umno leaders were in attendance, which observers noted as a significant indicator of moving beyond mere political rhetoric. Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang stated that the party remains open to negotiations with Barisan Nasional for the 16th General Election (GE16), noting that any final decision would depend on the number of seats won by each party.

In Kedah, Umno division chief Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin confirmed that the state branch is willing to discuss political cooperation specifically with Pas, but explicitly ruled out negotiations with Perikatan Nasional (PN). This distinction comes amid internal party discussions regarding the political direction of Umno following its losses in previous elections in Kedah.