Malay Muslim Opposition Youth Wings Launch New Cooperation

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The Malay-Muslim opposition bloc today announced the setting up of a special committee - comprising its youth wing members - to tackle various issues affecting the people

The decision was reached during an inaugural meeting attended by Umno and PAS youth wings, as well as PAS' Gagasan Sejahtera allies, Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) and Berjasa
Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the committee was set up to strengthen their cooperation in the name of religion and the people
"There have been so many lies upon lies ignored by Pakatan Harapan
"They (series of lies) must be explained continuously and with dedication by youths in the opposition. We must be the voice, in touch with the pulse of the people," said Asyraf
The current opposition bloc also comprises BN components MCA and MIC, as well as Sabah local parties
Asyraf further said their maiden cooperation will also focus on the campaign in the upcoming March 2 Semenyih by-election
"We will coordinate our machinery to carry out joint activities at the polling district level," said Asyraf (photo) during a press conference after their first meeting in Semenyih today
Also present were PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, Ikatan Youth chief Shahir Adnan and Berjasa Youth chief Iqbal Hakim Abdul Razak
Umno and PAS had strengthened their cooperation following BN's loss in the 14th general elections last year
Their series of cooperation had been attributed as a factor that contributed to BN's victory in the recent Cameron Highlands by-election
Asked whether the Umno-PAS cooperation could pose a threat to Harapan, Asyraf said that was the view held by Harapan
"They (Harapan) said that (Umno-PAS is a threat). If there are PAS members who disagreed (to the cooperation), then BN will not win in the Cameron Highlands by-election," he claimed
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said Harapan should not take lightly the threat posed by the cooperation between PAS and Umno in the Semenyih by-election, given their victory in Cameron Highlands
As for PAS, Khalil today said the Semenyih by-election is a signal to Harapan that there would be no more three-cornered fights in the 15th general elections
"This cooperation has been initiated at federal and state levels to ensure closer cooperation among the opposition (parties)," he said
In the last GE14, the then Harapan opposition coalition had gone up against ruling BN, as well as PAS, in most parliamentary and state seats nationwide.  - Mkini

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