# Kedah PAS and Umno test the waters on cooperation

> The two rival parties are building rapport before any formal talks on seat allocations or political partnership.
- Title: Kedah PAS and Umno test the waters on cooperation · Malay Mail
- Summary: The two rival parties are building rapport before any formal talks on seat allocations or political partnership. Kedah PAS and Umno are starting informal…
- Keywords: kedah, pas, umno, muhammad sanusi md nor, mahdzir khalid, ahmad bashah md hanipah, political cooperation, seat allocation, malaysia politics, menteri besar, alor setar, news
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/16/sanusi-too-early-for-seat-talks-as-kedah-pas-umno-explore-political-cooperation/235397
- Author: Malay Mail
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:25:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kedah, pas, umno, muhammad sanusi md nor, mahdzir khalid, ahmad bashah md hanipah, political cooperation, seat allocation, malaysia politics, menteri besar, alor setar, news
## Too early for seat talks
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi says PAS and Umno aren't discussing seat allocations yet. Umno hasn't made any specific requests.

> It is still too early to discuss seat allocations. Umno has not asked for anything yet.
## Courtesy visit, not formal cooperation
Kedah Umno leaders visited Sanusi at his official residence. The meeting was led by state Umno chairman Mahdzir Khalid and former Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah.
## Building a positive environment first
Sanusi stressed the meeting wasn't the start of formal cooperation. Instead, it's an initial step to create better relations between the two parties.

> This is not formal cooperation. We need to create a positive environment first.
## Casual chat about politics
The gathering was described as a casual discussion where leaders talked about the current political scenario in Kedah.

> It was a casual discussion, a courtesy visit by Kedah Umno to Kedah PAS and a conversation about the current political scenario.
## Veterans sharing political experience
The meeting brought together experienced political leaders who understand Kedah politics. They shared past experiences and discussed future expectations.

> These are people with experience and sufficient understanding who know the ins and outs of Kedah.
## PAS leaders at the table
PAS was represented by Kedah commissioner Ahmad Yahya, deputy commissioner Ahmad Fakhruddin, and state secretary Musoddaq Ahmad.
## Follow-up talks depend on central decision
Sanusi said further meetings will happen once the central leadership of both parties decides on cooperation. The process is still at an early stage.

> Once there is a decision at the central level on cooperation between the two parties, we will meet again.
## Key takeaway

Kedah PAS and Umno are starting informal discussions to create a positive environment, but seat allocation talks remain premature.