Speculation grows over renewed PAS–Umno ties after Hadi Awang confirms leaders met

MARANG, June 5 — PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has confirmed that leaders from PAS and Umno have met, as political activity intensifies following the dissolution of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state legislative assemblies, paving the way for elections.

The meeting comes amid renewed speculation over a possible revival of Muafakat Nasional (MN 2.0), as parties recalibrate strategies ahead of expected multi-state contests.

“We will announce the list of candidates, God willing, one week before nomination day,” Abdul Hadi was quoted as telling reporters by Utusan Malaysia after attending the monthly gathering of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development here yesterday.

But the Marang MP declined to provide details on the location or agenda of the meeting, describing it only as a routine engagement between party leaders.

He said he was not directly involved in arranging the meeting but had been informed about it.

“Whoever wants to meet, we meet. I am not involved, but (the meeting) has been brought to my attention,” he was quoted after delivering a lecture at Masjid Rusila here today.

The confirmation comes after reports of a photograph circulating on social media showing PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad arriving at a Kuala Lumpur hotel said to be hosting an Umno political bureau meeting.

The development has fuelled speculation of informal discussions between the two parties on reviving political cooperation under MN 2.0.

Earlier, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had suggested that cooperation among Malay-based parties should be revived in the interest of the Malay community and the ummah.

The renewed political chatter comes as both Johor and Negeri Sembilan have dissolved their state assemblies, setting the stage for closely watched state elections in the coming weeks.