KOTA BARU: Pas, PKR and DAP are playing a waiting game with each other to see which of them will quit Pakatan in a strategy to blame the one doing so for causing their break-up, said a political analyst.
Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff said none of the parties wished to be the earliest to quit the pact, as the first to do so would be perceived as causing the disintegration of the coalition.
Kamarul said the three parties had been provoking one another with statements that suggested they should split up.
He said none of the Pakatan allies was comfortable with their cooperation.
“But, no one dares to be the first to leave Pakatan. All three wish to be seen by the public as the ones upholding the pact.
“They will be telling the public, ‘Look, it is that party that leaves first, therefore, it’s the onethat caused the split in Pakatan’,” he said.
He said one of the most recent provocations was the statement by Pas central committee member Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, son of the party’s spiritual leader, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
On Monday, it was reported that Nik Abduh had accused DAP and PKR of bullying Pas.
Kamarul said this was an illustration that Nik Abduh was trying to gauge reactions from other Pas leaders about the party’s position, should it leave Pakatan.
“Simultaneously, he (Nik Abduh) is also provoking DAP and PKR so that the two allies make the first move to leave Pakatan,” he said.
Kamarul said the decision by the DAP-led Penang government to suspend a Pas councillor in the Penang Island Municipal Council for allegedly making a slanderous remark against its policy could also be deemed as provocation.
The affected councillor, Penang Pas treasurer Iszuree Ibrahim, had raised the policy issue at the party’s recent muktamar (annual general meeting), which was the proper party channel for discussions.
“When DAP suspended the councillor, it showedthat the party was prepared to see Pas leave Pakatan.”
He said the move by new Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali to cut down the number of executive council positions for Pas from four to three was yet another example of a provocation against Pas to leave the coalition.
Meanwhile, Pas leaders here had insisted that party members had the right to express their opinion, including concerning Pas’ relations with its Pakatan allies.
They, however, cautioned members that they must be ready to face disciplinary action if they breached party discipline.
Kelantan Pas Ulama chief Datuk Hassan Mahmoodsaid differences in opinions were normal in any organisation but the more important thing was how to handle them.
“In Islam, there is an etiquette for differences in opinions. It must be managed wisely to turn it into an advantage for the party and not to create disunity.
“Going against a decision which has been decided by the president or syura council is a big no,” said the Tawang assemblyman yesterday. Meanwhile, State youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the ulama and professional factions in Pas had different approaches to achieve party’s objectives. He said the groups, however, must be disciplined in giving their views and should not make it freely especially using the new media.
“It is better if their opinions are made at party meetings and debated by all those present. If their opinions are not well received, then they must be gracious enough to accept them.
“At the same time, if a decision has been decided especially by the top leadership, all groups must abide by it.”