Selangor Pas supports formation of Pakatan Malaysia

(NST) – Selangor Pas supports the idea to unite all opposition parties under Pakatan Malaysia, said its state commissioner Sallehen Mukhyi. He however said the move must be scrutinised by all the relevant parties, including those representing non-Muslims to ensure that Pas’ party struggle policy fight would remain respected.

“Selangor Pas has no qualms (about the formation of Pakatan Malaysia). But its establishment needs more explanation in detail. We want to know where Islam would stand should the new coalition is formed. At the same time, we hope that non-Muslim parties would accept Pas’ struggle in upholding Islam. If they are able to accept this, we are of the view that the new pact could be realised.

“In an alliance, it important that we respect each other and the rights of every party. If this basis becomes the principle, we are confident that the alliance would become strong,” he told NSTP here today.

He said when asked on the possibility of the opposition to split as what happened to Pakatan Rakyat due to DAP’s protest on hudud matters, Sallehen said it was all more the reason for the relevant parties should sit down and assess the proposed Pakatan Malaysia. “I would like to stress that the struggles for Islam brought by Pas has not sideline any race or religion. This matter is clear and I am confident that MCA or other non-Muslim parties would understand the issue.

“The Islamic laws (including the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 or Act 355) only apply to Muslims. Pas views its support towards MCA’s candidate in the recent Balakong by-election as a start to a close relationship. All this while, Pas’ image was exploited by certain quarters who suggested that it (Pas) was an extreme party, which is untrue,” he said.

Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said a new coalition which involved the party, along with Pas, MCA, MIC, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Bersatu Sabah would be created to form Pakatan Malaysia. He had said that the matter was not impossible if based on the correct and strong formula, as well as forming a political alliance that could give Pakatan Harapan a strong opponent.

Mohamed Khaled, who is also former Johor menteri besar, said Umno, which remained the biggest party in the parliament, was more dominant and influential compared with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).