THE move by PAS to encourage voters to support Barisan Nasional (BN) in seats the Islamist party is not contesting in the Johor state election confirms suspicions that the party had sold out to Umno.
Despite its move to consolidate with Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the last general election, it is getting more apparent that PAS has made a secret pact with Umno to ensure the biggest political parties in the country reign supreme, said Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar.
About a decade earlier, Mahfuz had joined many senior PAS leaders, the group branded as the moderates or technocrats, to exit PAS despite holding senior posts.
They went on to form Amanah with the likes of Mohamed Sabu (then PAS deputy president), Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusuf Rawa (former PAS central committee member), Husam Musa (former PAS vice- president) and Datuk Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (former PAS central committee member), including Mahfuz (PAS Youth head).
The stinging reason was the suspicion and speculations that PAS had opted to join forces with Umno after the party's long-serving spiritual adviser, Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, died.
"We were branded as jebon (rascals) by the side wanting to join Umno. Today, we are proven right that the Islamist party prefers to be with Umno rather than on the righteous path of honourable politics where the truth prevails over lies," said Mahfuz.
He said senior PAS leaders told their comrades to distance themselves from Umno mainly because the latter was riddled with various allegations of corruption.
"It is better to be honourable rather than be associated with the alleged corruption."
It is a pious message that transcends all political objectivities - to right the wrongs and to serve the needy, said Mahfuz.
"Today, PAS is deploying subtle messaging of race and religion to trample out the voices seeking the truth, justice and fairness to all."
In the past, PAS says that to fight Umno, it is an Islamist struggle, but today, to reunite with Umno, it is once again citing that it is indeed an Islamist struggle.
"Which one is correct?" asked Mahfuz.
History is repeating itself, as PAS now is treating its so-called ally, Bersatu, the same way it treated ex-leaders.
For those who had supported PAS, Mahfuz urged them to open their eyes and see for themselves how the party has manipulated the situation with insincerity.
"What the rascals had predicted is now coming true. PAS wants and prefers to work with Umno. They will do it out in the open or in private."
PAS has since abandoned its original Islamist struggle - they are the ones who should be regarded as the jebon (rascals), Mahfuz said. - July 3, 2026.
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