ALOR STAR – PAS has overwhelmingly passed a motion by its Dewan Ulama to pursue a form of political cooperation with Malay-Muslim dominated parties, including Umno.
The convenor of the 68th muktamar’s assembly at Kota Sarang Semut here had asked for the show of hands, and the majority of the 1,300 delegates present supported the motion.
The show of support emerged despite the recent open rift between Umno and PAS over their Muafakat Nasional political pact for the next general election.
Before voting began, a debate had ensued, starting with a delegate from Taiping, who expressed support on the grounds that many of the Umno grassroots members are now familiar and supportive of their counterparts in PAS.
“We are now on friendly terms, and we attend each other’s gatherings openly.
“So at the grassroot levels, the relationship is cordial,” said the delegate.
Therefore, it is imperative that the PAS leadership supports the motion, as victory would be easier if there are straight fights in the coming election, he added.
However, former PAS Port Dickson parliamentary by-election candidate, retired army lieutenant colonel Mohd Nazari Mokhtar rose to oppose the motion on grounds that PAS should be seeking support from all races and not just confined to the Malay-Muslims.
He said that PAS must escape from the perception that it is a “rhetorical hero” only.
Instead, PAS should be defined as a genuine hero in championing the plight of all Malaysians, said Nazari.
A PAS Youth wing representative later stood to support the motion by claiming that the 22-month government rule of Pakatan Harapan (PH) was the worst in the country’s history.
“I am willing to be sued for it as I stand by my stance. PH is the worst government ever.”
Eventually, the majority of the delegates voted in support of the motion, pushing for a resolution that the unity of the ummah must be pursued at all costs despite the apparent differences. – The Vibes, September 4, 2022
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