KUALA LUMPUR: The dynamics of the relationship between UMNO and Bersatu can be seen based on the grand design or strategy, not on the basis of agreement.

Director and Founder of the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Distinguished Professor Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin opined that UMNO's stance, which seemed to be playing tug of war, may be due to fractions or separate groups moving within the party.

"UMNO marries PAS, UMNO marries Bersatu, UMNO marries Perikatan Nasional (PN). UMNO's 'polygamy' is extraordinary, showing tentativeness or temporary in the way they interact with Bersatu.

"If we look at Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's reaction regarding the letter from UMNO President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, he did not accept or reject, but take note.

"These are the words that we have to pay attention to. No decision is taken, there are only views or positions considered," he said in an interview with Buletin AWANI.

This situation is different from Bersatu which looks stronger at the moment, even though their strength is seen not from their representation in Parliament.

"It is not a matter of loyalty, but the pragmatic politics played by UMNO. I think Bersatu is stable, unlike UMNO which has divisions and different interests, especially between groups within Bersatu due to PN and the appointments in GLCs, Cabinet, another group wants to wait for the GE (general election) and another ‘if I am pardoned, I support’.

"This is what makes UMNO face problems," he said.

Even so, the union of Muslim Malay parties between UMNO and PAS still have plenty of time to be improved before GE15.

PAS is currently seen as comfortable with their position, making the dynamics of its relationship with UMNO and Bersatu a little different.

"Never in the history of PAS, except for during the time of Datuk Asri Muda, they became Cabinet ministers and held important portfolios.

"In this context, I see PAS not wanting to let go, instead wanting to keep what they have embraced. So, they are at a crossroads actually.

"PAS has 18 seats and I don't think it will increase. It is very important for them to communicate wisely with the two opposing parties.

"To say they are just middlemen aren't correct either because they also have their own interests. Just look at Kelantan and Terengganu, do they tolerate UMNO in these states? No.

"Cooperation between them only happens at the Federal level, that is why we must also pay attention to the unrest at the state level," he said.