JOHOR BARU: PAS, which is caught between the rivalry of Umno and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, wants the two parties to discuss and come up with a formula to manage the disputed seats for the coming general election.

       PAS central committee member Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya (pic) urged the two parties to come to a consensus not just for the impending Melaka state election but also for other polls to come.

       “There are only a small number of seats that are being disputed between the two parties. Do not sacrifice the country only for a few seats.

       “Bersatu and Umno need to sit together to find a formula that could best address the disagreement.

       “The discussion is not only important for the parties involved but also for the whole country which wants to see political stability,” said Dr Mohd Mazri, who is also Johor PAS deputy chairman.

       He said this to the press after handing aid to over 50 Johor Baru Perikatan Nasional division chiefs to be distributed to some 1,000 needy families yesterday.

       He was asked to comment on Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement on Wednesday that his party would not cooperate with Bersatu in the Melaka polls, which are set to be held within 60 days after the state assembly was dissolved on Oct 4.

       Ahmad Zahid’s statement came after Melaka Umno state liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said he welcomed cooperation with Perikatan but Umno was also ready to go it alone.

       Dr Mohd Mazri also said Umno was welcome to join Perikatan.

       “Our doors are always open to Umno.

       “We hope that all parties could reunite and work together to maintain stability in the country.

       “That is also what the public wants to see – all parties working together to address the people’s plight,” he said.

       Perikatan is currently made up of Bersatu, PAS and Gerakan as well as Sabah parties Sabah STAR and SAPP.