PAS battle with Umno now inevitable, says analyst

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PETALING JAYA: A battle between Umno and PAS for votes and public support is now inevitable after Umno’s withdrawal of support for Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister, says an analyst.

Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Awang Azman Pawi said PAS had pledged its undivided support for Muhyiddin. “The conflict between Umno and Bersatu is expected to escalate after the state of emergency ends on Aug 1, so it is inevitable that PAS and Umno will fight,” he said.

Azman said PAS’ decision to stand by Muhyiddin would be viewed as the party ditching Umno and Muafakat Nasional, as PAS appeared to be more comfortable with Muhyiddin’s Bersatu.

“However if Umno is not united in upholding the party’s stand, its leaders, particularly those who go against the party’s decision, will be punished by the grassroots. This could affect Umno’s performance in the next general election,” Azman said.

He said he believes PAS will continue to support Muhyiddin so long as Muhyiddin was in power, although this could change once Parliament is dissolved.

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