It looks as if Najib has still not given up hope that Pas may be persuaded to engage in “unity talks” with Umno. From the BN’s perspective, the “unity talks” proposal is the best way to throw a spanner in the Pakatan works.
Unable to bring about meaningful reforms to shore up public support, the BN seems to be clinging on to the hope that Pas will change its mind, with Najib now claiming it is a religious obligation to hold unity talks.
Here’s something I wrote for Asia Times:
PENANG – Leaders of Malaysia’s opposition alliance have ended speculation that one of its three parties, the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS), would break ranks to enter “unity talks” with the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the dominant party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
