Umno and PAS formed the MN alliance in September 2019 as an electoral understanding with the main aim of uniting the Malay-Muslim vote.

“It must be accepted that Perikatan Nasional (PN), which has become a bigger political movement, needs to be in power in this plural society,” he told party organ, Harakahdaily.

“PAS can still accept MN, but only if there is no conflict with the larger and more powerful agenda of uniting the people through PN’s political ideas.”

In what could be seen as further criticism of Umno, he also said MN seems to be an “incomplete” coalition, and described Barisan Nasional (BN) as “already sick”.

Hadi’s comments also addressed speculation on PAS’ direction after the party contested last Saturday’s Melaka state elections under the PN banner for the first time in eight state constituencies.

Despite losing all the seats, including seven head-to-head clashes with Umno, PAS said the party received more votes than the last general election (GE14) in 2018.

BN won the Melaka polls, winning 21 out of the 28 state seats to regain its two-thirds majority in the state. Pakatan Harapan won five seats while PN took the remaining two.

Several PAS leaders had previously pushed to strengthen PAS-Umno relations through MN without sidelining PN.

However, Hadi’s latest statement confirms his inclination towards PN as opposed to MN.

The Marang MP previously accused Umno of breaking promises when it did not agree to  Bersatu joining MN.