Kuala Lampur, July 24 -- The relationship between PAS and Umno has never been a straightforward political partnership. It has been marked by repeated cycles of cooperation, confrontation, reconciliation and separation.

That history explains why any renewed electoral understanding between the two parties should be viewed with caution rather than certainty.

Recent statements by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang have reinforced the perception that PAS hopes cooperation with Umno can eventually produce a pathway back to Putrajaya.

This despite the fact that Umno's Vice President that there is an electoral pact all across the nation at all. Such denial reeks of vote fishing.

Vote fishing, however, is not the same as policy continuity and cert...