BUTTERWORTH: A Penang Pas division has decided to sever ties with PKR, saying that the party is still in cahoots with the DAP, now a nemesis of Pas.
Permatang Pauh Pas division chief Omar Hassan said the decision was made as PKR president, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, is being disrespectful towards Pas for her continuing support of the DAP.
He said the cooperation between Pas and PKR can no longer continue, especially as they have also heard that several PKR members have been attempting to poach Pas members.
"The Pas members were told that they would be offered positions in the state administration (were they to defect to PKR).
“(In addition), PKR has also failed to defend Islam in the state, as it has been quiet on the DAP Penang government’s meddling on the issuances of fatwas.
“Dr Azizah had also taken a ‘dolak dalik’ (vacillating) stance on Hadi’s 355 bill. For us, we see PKR as putting politics ahead of Islam,” Omar told reporters after their 40th division muktamar here today.
Omar said Pas will stand in the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary seat contest in the 14th General Election, which is currently held by Azizah. Pas will also stand for all three state seat fights in the constituency, namely for Seberang Jaya, Penanti and Permatang Pasir.
Permatang Pasir is currently held by Pas, while the other two state seats are held by PKR.
"We are confident we can win all seats, as we have a membership strength of 5,000 people from 30 branches,” Omar added.