KOTA BARU – For the first time, PAS has conceded that it may have to contest the next general election on its own if its current allies Bersatu and Umno do not end up working together.
Its vice-president, Datuk Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, said the Islamist party is ready to make it on its own.
However, he stressed that such a situation should not be allowed, if possible, as it will not likely benefit any of the three parties.
For now, PAS will continue its political cooperation with the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition via its collaboration with Bersatu, and with Umno via Muafakat Nasional, he added.
“PAS will be uncomfortable if its allies are suspicious of one another... Trust is important,” he told journalists here today.
Although the party is content with the present arrangement, it may be forced to change its stance if both Bersatu and Umno go their separate ways, he added.
PAS currently controls three states – Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu – and aspires to take over Perlis and Perak, where it has a strong presence. PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Hashim Jasin hails from Perlis.
The party has ruled over Kelantan since 1990.
Nik Amar said PAS will advise its allies that under the Malaysian political structure, no party can win it all by itself, as history has proven.
He expects the next election to be held towards the end of this year or early next year, once the country has attained herd immunity against Covid-19, although polls are not due till September 2023.
“To ensure this happens, 80% of the population needs to be vaccinated.”
For Nik Amar, the political crises may hopefully be resolved once the mandate of who gets to lead the country is returned to the people. – The Vibes, July 25, 2021
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