Kuala lumpur: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that elements of treachery among PAS leaders were the main obstacle to any consideration of renewed political cooperation between UMNO and the party. He said past experience during the formation of Muafakat Nasional showed that such an attitude existed within PAS, causing the relationship between the two parties to eventually break down.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this when asked to comment on a statement by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang inviting UMNO to resume cooperation with the party. Hadi had claimed that UMNO had chosen the wrong partner in the Unity Government. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the DNA of treachery within PAS would need to be eradicated before any cooperation could be considered.

Ahmad Zahid made these remarks while addressing reporters after launching the National Social Policy Action Plan 2026-2030. He was accompanied by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri during the event.

Further elaborating on the issue, Ahmad Zahid addressed a statement from Negeri Sembilan UMNO expressing support for the Unity Government but rejecting Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He stated that the rejection was due to Aminuddin's alleged interference in customary law matters in Negeri Sembilan. Ahmad Zahid affirmed that the central leadership of UMNO shared this stance.

He clarified that UMNO does not support Aminuddin as long as he interferes in customary law, emphasizing that the co-existence in Negeri Sembilan between the Yang Dipertuan Besar and the Undang Yang Empat should be respected. Despite the contention, Ahmad Zahid dismissed any proposal to replace Aminuddin as Menteri Besar.

Earlier, Negeri Sembilan UMNO reiterated its support for the state administration under the Unity Government framework, while simultaneously declaring a loss of confidence in the Menteri Besar. Negeri Sembilan UMNO liaison secretary Mustapha Nagoor stated that the decision to maintain cooperation was made to safeguard the well-being and interests of the people in the state.