Penang Umno has joined the fray to condemn the DAP-led state government for allegedly interfering in PAS' decision to appoint its own representatives in state agencies and government-linked companies.

Seizing the opportunity in the apparent crack in the coalition, Umno offered to cooperate with PAS on issues relating to Muslim affairs.

NONE Penang Umno liason chief Zainal Abidin Osman said the problem between PAS and its Pakatan Rakyat allies has been brewing for years and has finally erupted "like a volcano".

Zainal said PAS has been "marginalised and sidelined" in the DAP-led government after Pakatan won Penang in 2008 and in May this year.

"I really pity them as 99 percent of PAS supporters threw their support behind PKR and DAP in the elections. But it seems they have been given a raw deal," he told a press conference.

Zainal said PAS has been seething with unhappiness for not being offered the appointment of a state executive councillor post.

He added that even the Islamic affairs portfolio was given to PKR Batu Maung assemblyperson and state vice-chief Abdul Malik Kassim.

PAS state commissioner Salleh Man, the sole PAS candidate who won in the elections, was instead given the post of Penang Islamic Affairs Council president, which was less influential.

"Malik got the job although PAS candidates have a better religious background, they feel they are more suited for the post," said Zainal.

The Umno leader said that even the village development and security committees in every constituency were "monopolised" by DAP and PKR members.

'Puppets of DAP'

In view of this, he urged PAS to review its relationship with PKR and DAP.

"It is true that they are puppets of DAP despite working so hard to support them in the elections," said the former Nibong Tebal MP.

Zainal then called for close cooperation between PAS and Umno for the sake of Muslims in Penang.

He said Muslims would benefit more if Umno and PAS cooperated as opposed to the latter working with DAP and PKR.

"I have initiated the cooperation, where together with Salleh, we have met the Penang governor at his residence in mid September to discuss the mosque election issue.

"We told the the governor that 10 mosque elections were flawed as the winners became losers and losers became winners.

"Those who won with huge majorities were not allowed in the committee, something was wrong there," he added.

According to Zainal, Salleh agreed to resolve this issue in the presence of the Governor Abdul Rahman Abbas but due to the state's intervention, the matter was never resolved.