PKR distancing itself from PAS?

PKR information chief says up to PAS to decide if the Islamist party wants to work with them, as cooperation with coalition partners, DAP and Amanah, will continue.

(FMT) – PKR appears to be distancing itself from PAS, despite previous hopes that the Islamist party would join Pakatan Harapan to challenge Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

Several senior PKR leaders have given the impression that the party now prioritises its cooperation with DAP and Amanah – parties with which PAS has refused to work – as well as Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

In December, PH and PPBM formed an electoral pact to ensure straight fights against the ruling coalition in the next general election (GE14), a strategy often touted as the only way for the opposition to wrest Putrajaya from BN.

“Based on our agreement, PKR will cooperate with Amanah, DAP and PPBM. So it is up to PAS to decide if they want to work with us,” PKR information chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said.

His comments follow PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement on Sunday that the party would review its relationship with PKR at the muktamar (general assembly) in April.

Hadi on Sunday also reiterated that PAS would not work with DAP, labelling it anti-Islam over their refusal to back amendments to the shariah bill that seeks to increase the penalties for certain offences. The Islamist party also refuses to work with its splinter party, Amanah.

Syed Ibrahim said PKR was prepared for the three-cornered fight, but added that a straight fight would be a more favourable scenario for the opposition.

Despite Hadi’s comments, Syed Ibrahim said that the PKR-led Selangor government would maintain its working relationship with PAS in administering the state.

There are currently three PAS exco members.

Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution took a stronger stand on the matter, stressing that PKR was a component in PH, along with DAP and Amanah.

“This alliance has been agreed upon and we have a structure in place.

“If PAS felt that it could win the elections by going it alone, PKR would respect its stance,” he told FMT.