KOTA BARU: PAS is not “fighting alone” in the 14th General Election although it has refused to forge ties with rivals Umno and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad said the Islamist party will work closely with fellow Gagasan Sejahtera component parties to test the strength of the third force in the upcoming epic battle for power.
“In the past, Malaysians have only seen a battle between two coalitions. Now, with the third coalition joining the fray, we will see if we can emerge as kingmakers,” he said.
Gagasan Sejahtera comprises PAS, Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) and Pan-Malaysia Islamic Front (Berjasa).
Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) announced its intention to join Gagasan Sejahtera in April last year.
“With the support of more than 100 NGOs, we believe we make a formidable force,” said Idris.
PAS is not looking to forge sub-alliances with any component parties of rival coalitions Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, he said.
Idris also said Pribumi chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s insinuation that PAS is helping Umno win by splitting opposition votes is preposterous.
“Why should we help Umno? Why should we participate in any negotiations to secure straight fights, and make a mockery of democracy?” he said.
On seat allocations, Idris said PAS will contest 130 parliamentary seats.
“We leave it to our component party members to decide on the remaining 92 parliamentary seats,” he said.-thestar
