Citing respect for its voters, PAS won’t join unity govt

KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) component PAS will stay out of the unity government as a sign of respect for its voters.

In a brief statement, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the party will not be joining the federal government that is “led by Pakatan Harapan and DAP”.

He said the decision took into consideration those who voted for PAS and PN in the recently concluded general election.

“PAS will continue to be a constructive opposition to ensure smooth governance and to uphold the principles of ‘Prihatin, Bersih, dan Stabil’ (Concern, Clean, and Stable).” 

Yesterday, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin put to rest any confusion over his coalition’s direction, confirming that it would remain as the opposition.

“PN thanks Anwar for the offer to join the unity government led by him. However, we have taken the stand not to enter the PH-led government.

“PN will play the role of a credible opposition, to carry the voice of the rakyat in Parliament as well as ensuring a government of integrity that is free of corruption.”

However, he said the coalition as the opposition bloc was open to considering other forms of cooperation with the government.

This comes after PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his first press conference as prime minister on Thursday, said he was prepared to accept PN as part of the unity government proposed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Muhyiddin’s reference to other forms of cooperation within a government-opposition framework alludes to arrangements similar to the memorandum of understanding between PH and the previous Barisan Nasional government led by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, prior to the dissolution of Parliament.

Anwar was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on Thursday, ending close to a week of political impasse, after none of the major coalitions secured the necessary support of 112 MPs to form the government.

Muhyiddin had rejected the Agong’s proposal for PN to form a unity government with PH, saying it was not willing to work with the Anwar-led coalition.

Muhyiddin also challenged Anwar to prove his support, insisting that PN still had statutory declarations from 115 MPs. 

Responding to this, Anwar had said he would convene Parliament on December 19, with a vote of confidence as the first order of business. – The Vibes, November 26, 2022