AFTER reading the article by Baradan Kuppusamy (“Pas needs to decide whether to turn to Barisan or opposition alliance” — NST, Oct 12) on the future direction of Pas , it may be true to say that Pas is having conflicting thoughts about its opponents and exponents.
This is evident from Pas’s present political stance towards Umno, DAP, Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) and PKR. It appears Pas has established good political goodwill when some Umno members supported the first tabling of its private member’s bill earlier this year. Pas is now hoping Umno members of parliament will continue to support the bill at the second tabling soon.
It looks as if Pas wishes to show Malaysian voters that for the sake of Muslims and Malays in Malaysia, Pas is with Umno but not joining Umno or Barisan Nasional. Pas will oppose Umno and BN in the 14th General Election as stated by Pas’s new spiritual leader Hashim Jasin, who said “the party will collaborate with BN only on matters related to the people’s welfare”. He also reaffirmed statements that Pas will not politically cooperate with DAP and PAN.
Pas will stand against DAP in the seats they once stood in the 14th General Election after DAP rejected the present Pas president following the passing of Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, former Pas spiritual leader and Kelantan menteri besar.
Nik Aziz was among the strong Pas leaders defending the political alliance of Pas with DAP and PKR in the 13th General Election.
At that time, Nik Aziz totally rejected the idea by some Pas leaders that the party cooperate with Umno. He said Pas was cheated by Umno when Pas was led by (Datuk) Mohd Asri Muda. Nasharuddin Mat Isa became the victim of the internal clashes between Pas leaders in relation to the idea of cooperation between Pas and Umno when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was prime minister and Umno president.
Pas rejected PAN since it was formed by former Pas leaders who were voted out in Pas’ leadership election. PAN joined Pakatan Harapan (PH) and claimed that it replaced Pas in PH.
The three political parties — Pas, Umno and PAN — contested for the first time in the parliamentary constituencies of Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar where candidates from Umno and BN won bigger majorities defeating opponents from Pas and PAN.
Politically speaking, Pas is against Umno, BN, PAN and DAP, but not PKR. This is another mind-boggling stance of Pas since PKR is in PH consisting of PKR, PAN and DAP. It is still unclear if the newly established party, PPBM, is accepted by PH or by Pas.
The PPBM chairman had called for the opposition to collaborate and unite to oppose Umno and BN in the 14th General Election. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is waiting for his appeal to be released from prison and be active in the political arena again. He is said to be capable of persuading Pas to return to PH.
In Selangor, Pas is in a coalition consisting of PKR, DAP and Pas. Pas cut political cooperation with DAP in Penang, but not in Selangor because Selangor is being led by PKR, DAP and Pas.
Pas’ political stance on Umno, PAN and DAP is mind-boggling. Pas has been friendly with Umno just to get the private member’s bill supported.
DR IBRAHIM ABU BAKAR, Kajang, Selangor