KOTA BARU: Pas has always supported calls for a unity government, so it came as a shock to its grassroots when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin went against the King's wishes to form one.
Party sources said many on the ground felt uncomfortable with the Perikatan Nasional chairman's refusal to form one with Pakatan Harapan, as suggested by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's wishes.
They said this went against Pas's practice of bai'ah, which is a pledge to be loyal to a leader.
Another source said party members remained loyal to the PN leadership despite them being in conflict with Pas' beliefs about a unity government.
"The recent move by a PN leader to go against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong surprised some Pas leaders and they were not comfortable with it, but they have no choice and have to except it," said a source.
He said it has been Pas' decades-long wish for there to be a unity government, even before the Islamist party joined PN.
Sources said Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang had in the past proposed a unity government, but no one responded to the idea.
"The president has been dreaming of the formation of a unity government and he has been saying this many times over the years.
"The unity of the ummah has been, and will continue to be, Pas' stance for as long as the party is Malay- and Muslim-based," the sources told the New Straits Times.
Asked whether Pas is ready to be the opposition, they said the party did not foresee any problem because it had played that role in the past.
Party supporters and grassroot members in Kelantan urged leaders of the Islamic party to stop politicking and abide by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decision to form a unity government.
Many of those interviewed by the NST were unhappy with Muhyiddin questioning Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's legitimacy as prime minister.
Businesswoman Norhuda Omar said Pas leaders must support the unity government for the sake of the people.
"This is the time for all parties to move on."
Norhuda said despite them being loyal to Pas, locals are not happy when they had to wait so long or the formation of a new federal government.
"We want to continue with life," said the 45-year-old.
Self-employed Omar Salleh said he hoped Pas would accept the king's decision.
"Other Pas supporters in Kelantan and I accept whatever decision made by the party because we do not want Pas to be disobedient to the king.
"The Agong has his reasons for making the decision on a unity government and we must trust him," he added.
Pas today congratulated Anwar on being appointed the country's 10th prime minister.
Its secretary-general, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, said the party was confident Anwar would carry out his responsibilities well, adding that the party also expected the prime minister to take a federalist approach and be fair to all territories.
Anwar had said he was open to working with all parties, including PN.
This came despite Muhyiddin questioning Anwar's legitimacy as prime minister.