In new alliance with Umno, PAS sees opportunity to guide its ex-rivals

(The Star) – PAS sees a lot of positivity in its newly-forged alliance with Umno, says the party’s spiritual leader.

PAS Mursyidul Am Datuk Hashim Jasin said the party saw the relationship with Umno as an opportunity to guide its former rivals “towards the path of Islam”.

“During the recent by-elections in Sungai Kandis and Seri Setia, we co-operated with Umno as opposition parties.

“We saw positive signs and we were able to put aside Umno’s wrongdoing in the past 60 years.

“To us, defending the Islam agenda and upholding the dignity of our race is important.

“We must help to correct the wrongdoings of Umno’s leadership. It is our duty to guide Umno towards Islam,” said Hashim, in his speech when opening the muktamar (general assembly) for PAS’ ulama wing here on Thursday (Sept 13).

Hashim said whatever sort of alliance PAS decides to embark on, it must always put Islam first.

“They (Umno) came to us when they are in a weakened state. Let’s use this opportunity to show them the way towards Islam.

“In any form of cooperation that we forge, it must bring benefit towards Islam. We should not act harshly against our political rivals who are Muslims.

“This is our way of dakwah (preaching),” said Hashim.

Umno-PAS tête-à-tête

Hashim added that Pakatan Harapan has failed to uphold Islam since taking over the Federal Government, despite having “Muslim majority parties” such as PKR, Parti Amanah Negara and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

“Under Pakatan Harapan’s reign, more and more people dare to question Islamic institutions.

“Islam’s position in the country has been threatened by people trying to spread the Christian agenda, liberalism, secularism as well as promoting anti-Islam and anti-Hadith movements.

“We see that Pakatan has failed to prevent these from happening,” said Hashim.

The PAS muktamar will be held over the next four days, beginning with the opening of the party’s Ulama, Muslimat (women) and Pemuda (youth) wings.