Academician Abdul Aziz Bari, one of three speakers invited to the PAS seminar held on Saturday, has questioned the stance of some delegates that the party is strong enough to go it alone.

pas seminar 071109 abdul aziz bari “They are sending the wrong message to their Pakatan Rakyat partners, especially PKR. Some delegates want an explanation regarding tahaluf siasi (political cooperation), not realising what is actually happening,” he told Malaysiakini.

“They think they are still strong but such speeches are sending the wrong message to Pakatan partners, especially PKR. What is the need for such explanations? Will co-operation with other parties in Pakatan derail PAS’ plans?”

While saying that the delegates’ views need not necessarily represent grassroots sentiments, he also pointed out the facts.

“PAS lost in 2004 and also in 2008 in Terengganu. It has failed to wrest Perlis up to today. What is even more puzzling is that Selangor PAS Commissioner Hasan Ali's group, along with Salehan Mukhyi, seems to feel that (the party) can win on (its) own.”

azlan It is reliably learnt that Hasan (left) is making his rounds to strengthen his position in the state, following a call by party spiritual adviser Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat to replace him and other ‘problematic leaders’.

Abdul Aziz, a professor at the International Islamic University, came under fire at the seminar when delegates remarked that his speech was “mild” compared to his stinging criticism of party president Abdul Hadi Awang in the media.

He had told Malaysiakin i that Abdul Hadi is the PAS version of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, because of his inconsistency and lacklustre policies.

‘Foolish thinking’

Abdul Aziz expressed surprise over remarks by PAS central committee member Abu Bakar Chik.

Abu Bakar had accused Abdul Aziz of being a 'western agent' for endorsing a two-party system, when “everyone knows we don't want (to join) Umno”.

pas seminar 071109 02 Abdul Aziz said he could not impose his views in relation to a two-party system, though such a system would provide better checks and balances on the government and the legislature.

“A two-party system is something which any country should have. The questions posed by Abu Bakar represent the thinking that (PAS can win on its own). Maybe (it was) such foolish thinking and confidence (that) resulted in (the party’s) downfall in Terengganu,” he added.

“This type of thinking is dominant in the so-called unity government faction. They are convinced or adamant that PAS’ (victory was not due to) non-Malay support.

"It is this group or leaders like Hasan who feel that the political landscape requires PAS to be closer to Malay voters and not to non-Malays.”