PARTI Amanah Nasional vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar has called on PAS to abandon lofty claims of national salvation, insisting the party must first confront its recent failures in Perlis before presenting itself as a credible governing force at the federal level.
“Before trying to save the world, PAS must recognise that it failed to save Perlis,” Mahfuz said, criticising PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang for focusing on “empty talk” aimed at courting undecided voters rather than strengthening the states under the party’s administration.
The controversy follows the ousting of Perlis PAS Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, who was removed through a vote of no confidence and replaced by Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, a political ally within the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
“In reality, PAS is like any other political party. It has factions and cliques. And it is such division which brought the fall of its mentri besar in Perlis,” Mahfuz said, highlighting internal party discord as a root cause of governance failure.
Mahfuz also criticised PAS for disregarding the Raja of Perlis’ advice for political unity, warning that the party’s actions have contributed to a political crisis in the state. “It is PAS’ own actions which had caused a political crisis in the state,” he said.
The Parti Amanah leader stressed that the issue is not ideological but revolves around competence, transparency, and responsible management of power granted by the electorate.
“Islam teaches us to respect the royalty institution, to place priority of peace and stability, to avoid slander and lies, as well as conflicts. Is PAS practising what it preaches?” he asked.
Mahfuz emphasised that the Malaysian public does not expect PAS to “save the world,” but rather to provide stable governance, honourable leadership, and adherence to constitutional and royal institutions.
“If PAS doesn’t realise this, it would be hard for them to fully govern the country,” he warned.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of PAS’ political conduct following the abrupt leadership change in Perlis, raising questions about the party’s readiness for broader national responsibilities. - January 18, 2026
