MELAKA: Melaka Pas has dismissed claims that its cooperation with Umno would not last beyond three years.
Its commissioner, Zulkifli Ismail, said the remarks came from those opposed to the unity efforts between the two major parties under Muafakat Melaka, an understanding between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional.
He said PN and BN were committed to sustaining the cooperation, which was intended to extend beyond electoral contests.
“That is the view of those who do not support this unity.
“As for those of us working to make this unity a reality, we are not doing it for just three years. We will ensure it lasts forever,” he said at a press conference to announce the manifesto offers of PN candidates for the Melaka election here today.
Also present were Pas Melaka deputy commissioner I Bakri Jamaluddin and four PN candidates: Datuk Seri Michael Gan for the Ayer Keroh state seat, Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub (Bemban), Rafie Ahmad (Paya Rumput) and Ridzuan Sarif (Bukit Katil).
Zulkifli, who is also Jasin member of Parliament, was responding to remarks by Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who said history had shown that Umno and Pas had never been able to share power for more than three years.
Rafizi was reported to have made the remarks during a Trak Kancil ceramah in Pengkalan Batu last night, saying Umno was not formed to share power.
On the momentum of the Muafakat Melaka cooperation during the week-long campaign, Zulkifli described it as very encouraging.
“Alhamdulillah, after a week of campaigning and with polling day approaching, I see that our campaign machinery is working very well.
“Coordination between BN and PN is at its best. I am confident that over the next few days we will see efforts to ensure voter support for Muafakat Melaka reaches its highest level,” he said.
Zulkifli said several programmes had also been lined up to garner support from voters throughout Melaka, including simultaneous Blue Wave programmes in all 28 state constituencies tonight.
“We will also hold a Munajat programme on Nov 12, followed by a grand finale ceramah that night. We hope all people in Melaka will attend,” he said.