PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad has lamented what he believes to be double standards when it comes PAS’ relations with Umno.

He said DAP leaders can even seem to "hold hands" with Umno leaders, without anyone accusing DAP of being in cahoots with Umno.

“When there are pictures of PAS leaders with Umno leaders drinking tea or together during a government function, they (the PAS leaders) will be accused of wanting to join Umno.

“(But) it’s not a problem when there are DAP leaders, who not only drink tea but bump bellies and hold hands (with Umno leaders),” Idris said in a statement yesterday.

Although Idris did not mention any names, it is believed that he had referred to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz who are known to have a close relationship despite their political backgrounds.

The two even held hands during the launch of the Rainbow Skywalk in Penang last year.

On the other hand, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s presence at a function organised by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry earlier this month certainly raised eyebrows and invited questions over PAS-Umno cooperations.

Hadi and Umno minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, too, held hands atop a boat during the programme.

Idris further claimed that Pakatan Harapan cybertroopers would “purify” such instances between DAP and Umno leaders.

“When it comes to their beloved leaders, it’s okay but if it’s PAS leaders, they will come out with all sorts of words.

“Some even accused they (the PAS leaders) will burn in hell for attending government programmes.”

PAS supporters 'not that stupid'

However, Idris believes that PAS supporters are “not that stupid” to label a person simply for holding hands and bumping bellies during a government function.

“My message to PAS supporters – stay calm. Let us see who will join Barisan Nasional and will be kneeling in front of Umno after they lose in the next general election.”

PAS, he added, would prove that it is better than both BN and Pakatan Harapan.

Idris had earlier commented on claims by Harapan leaders that PAS is set to be with BN in the next election.

However, he pointed out that PAS has been against Umno for the past 66 years.

“In the 13 general elections in the country, PAS was not against Umno only once, in 1974,” he said.

He also ridiculed those who claim that PAS would have to be blamed if BN wins, as the Islamist party has refused to form a political pact with other opposition parties against BN.

Idris said PAS should not be accused of being a spoiler, especially when it is contesting in its traditional seats against Umno.

In these constituencies, he said, those who field candidates against PAS would be splitting the votes and aiding the BN.