PAS: Amanah should merge with DAP, get its safe seats

(The Star) – PAS has refuted Parti Amanah Negara’s (Amanah) claim that a “third Opposition bloc” is a Barisan Nasional proxy to weaken the Opposition.

PAS commissioner Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad (pix) said this accusation – like Amanah’s other claims –  was “wrong” as two Opposition blocs would mean an increase in attacks on Barisan.

It was reported that PAS had described the party as a “third Opposition bloc” when it started cooperating with the less-established Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) in March 2016 following a fallout with DAP which ultimately led to the death of Pakatan Rakyat.

“With two Opposition blocs, more revelations of Barisan’s malpractices are possible. So this cannot possibly strengthen Barisan, it will weaken it instead,” he said in a statement on Monday.

He added that PAS should not be blamed in the event of three-cornered fights during the next general election.

Iskandar said that it is unfair to point an accusatory finger at the party when three-cornered fights occur due to Pakatan Harapan entering areas won by PAS, or those contested by PAS, in the last general election.

“It doesn’t make sense for PAS to be the guilty party when other parties disturb PAS seats. If other parties no longer honour the straight fight concept, why should PAS respect it,” he asked.

Iskandar advised Amanah leaders to stop attacking PAS and instead focus on efforts to resolve their own internal problems.

“Amanah’s presence has muddled the country’s political scene. Hence, it’s apt that Amanah merge with other parties, but not with PKR as suggested,” he said.

Instead, Iskandar suggested that Amanah merged with DAP as they look “closer” to the said party.

“If this happens, then Amanah leaders can be allocated with the DAP safe seats and this would solve a lot of problems,” he added.

According to reports, PAS has made it clear that it would not work with DAP and its splinter party Amanah, which were part of the Opposition coalition.