TEMERLOH: Pas has not confirmed its prime ministerial candidate, but is instead prioritising the setting of its agenda ahead of the general election, said party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
In a speech to 12,000 members from Pas’ Pahang election machinery last night, Hadi, who is also Marang member of parliament, said whoever became the leader or prime minister was “for Allah to decide”.
“We are not going to jostle for positions. But, we want Islam to lead, to save the country, to save humanity. This is the agenda of our struggle,” he said at the Al Makmur Complex in Kerdau.
Present were Pas deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, party spiritual leader Hashim Jasin and Pahang Pas commissioner Rosli Jabar.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently challenged Pas to name its prime ministerial candidate before criticising the opposition pact’s choice.
Pakatan Harapan had picked Dr Mahathir and PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as its candidates for prime minister and deputy prime minister, respectively, should the opposition pact win the 14th General Elections (GE14).
Tuan Ibrahim said Pas would not support the opposition pact and Barisan Nasional, but would be part of the Gagasan Sejahtera coalition.
“The party has thought about the leadership question, but we are prioritising serving the people.
“Pas is not obsessed with positions as the people are fed up with that. But we do have leaders with calibre who can lead the country.
“Who becomes prime minister should not be made a big issue. Even if we propose someone, that person may not get the position.”
He said the Pas Syura Council had vetted the party’s candidates for GE14 and looked into their qualifications, morals and daily habits, and the list had been handed to the state party leaderships.
“We have handed the list of candidates to state leaderships for them to decide which constituencies the candidates will contest.
“For parliamentary seats, the central leadership will decide, and the Syura council will not interfere.”
Translated from Berita Harian