PAS is still an Opposition party and is only interested in uniting mankind through Islamic principles, its president asserted today amid increasing scrutiny over its seemingly chummy ties with political foe Umno.
Tuan Guru Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang sought to dispel rumours that the Islamist party is now working together with the ruling coalition which Umno anchors, claiming the Barisan Nasional (BN) to be corrupt.
“There has been a wrong perception from opponents that PAS is currently no longer interested to change the BN ruling government.
“PAS will continue to fight for justice for all races and opposes corruption and misuse of power as well as swindling in the BN government,” he said in a statement.
The Marang MP reiterated that his party will also not work together with Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) or DAP ahead of the next general elections.
“There is no form of cooperation in any form with DAP and Amanah, and any other party that is against Islam,” Abdul Hadi said, adding that PAS would however work with any party that agrees with their Islamic principles.
“At the same time, PAS is reading to discuss with any party that respects the foundation of PAS’ struggle,” he said.
Ustaz Abdul Hadi also said that PAS is currently relooking its electoral seats at both the state and federal levels and has not yet begun discussions with any other party to form a political cooperation for the next general election, due by 2018.
“PAS is not bound to any party which has already made an electoral pact for now and would not be influenced by pressure from any party to make a political decision. PAS will only make a decision when the time is right,” Abdul Hadi stressed.
PAS last year severed ties with DAP due to disagreement on the hudud issue, which subsequently caused the breakup of their political partnership known as Pakatan Rakyat.
Several leaders also left PAS after failing to win its internal polls the same year and formed a splinter party, Amanah, which has since tied up with DAP and PKR into a new pact called Pakatan Harapan.
Many Opposition parties have accused PAS of working together with BN and Umno in particular after top leaders from both Malay Muslim parties joined in a solidarity gathering for Myanmar’s marginalised Rohingya people here earlier this month – themalaymailonline
