'PAS won't drink beer with sinful Umno'

PAS Shah Alam parliamentarian Khalid Samad said the Islamic party would rather work with righteous non-Muslims in DAP and PKR than be in cahoots with ‘sinful’ Muslims in Umno.

“Umno’s overtures to PAS for the two Malay-based parties to work together is like a Muslim who is asking another Muslim to go to a pub and drink beer, while the non-Muslims in DAP and PKR are asking us to go drink teh tarik at the mamak shop.”

Khalid (right) explained that his comparison is based on the reality of what Umno has been doing during its 53-year rule of Malaysia, which includes rampant corruption and flagrant abuses.

“Umno is corrupt, yes? Umno abused power, yes? Then of course we go for teh tarik with non-Muslims rather than drink beer with Umno,” he told PKR supporters.

This, he opined, is compared to the DAP and PKR whose actions thus far have exhibited that they are more in concert with the Islamic values espoused by PAS.

“PAS will not work with Umno even if we are ‘invited’ to do so by the Agong,” he stressed.

Khalid was representing the Islamic party at the maiden run of PKR’s nationwide leadership roadshow in Taman Sri Manja, Petaling Jaya, last night.

The event, which is largely seen to be a move by PKR to repair its dented image after the last round of internecine conflict triggered by its direct elections, was organised by the Lembah Pantai PKR division, one of the ‘hot zones’ targeted by the opposition cavalcade.

Also present was Puchong parliamentarian Gobind Singh Deo (left) representing DAP, who reiterated the party’s loyal support for PKR de factor leader Anwar Ibrahim.

“DAP is staunchly behind Anwar to be PM should we capture Putrajaya,” he said to rousing cheers.

The assurances by the duo were probably calculated to calm fears within PKR about any ‘commitment issues’ on the part of their allies in Pakatan.

PAS was yet again assailed by rumours of a ‘unity government’ with Umno after a secret rendezvous was arranged between top leaders of the two parties at the behest of the Agong at the infamous meeting dubbed the ‘Christmas eve dinner’ last December.

Meanwhile, the DAP’s reluctance to accept PAS’ Islamic state stance has caused some to doubt its commitment to Pakatan Rakyat.