Pas not bound by PPBM’s deadline, says Takiyuddin

(NST) – Pas has reiterated that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not apply pressure on the party to decide whether to join the opposition pact, Pakatan Harapan.

Its secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said as an independent political party that has been existed for about 66 years, Pas is not bound by other party’s deadline.

He said this in response to the one-month deadline issued by Dr Mahathir, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman, to the Islamic party to decide whether to join the pact or otherwise.

“I do not see the need for Pas to follow the PPBM directive or any other parties no matter how big or small. We can manage our own party and PPBM should also do the same way.

He said Pas’ ties with PPBM has not being finalised and everyone should wait for the decision.

“PPBM should not simply ‘order’ us to follow its dateline (a month). This is not right,” he said.

Takiyuddin said although the matter is still in discussion following a meeting between the two parties on Feb 1, a quick decision was needed in order to work out the next strategy.

PAS and PPBM had initiated talks on Feb 1 on the former’s proposed participation in Pakatan Harapan ahead of the next general election, which is due by June 2018 but speculated to be held earlier, even this year.