NGO PasMa will form a political party to fill in the gap in Pakatan Rakyat if PAS decides to leave the coalition.

Its president Phahrolrazi Zawawi said this after Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said PAS can stand on its own if it is ousted.

Phahrolrazi said the new party will likely be an Islamic party to take PAS’ place in Pakatan, which observers fear is approaching breaking point.

“There have been many who have urged us to register as a political party but this is a decision we have to first research.

“Forming a party will depend on Pakatan Rakyat because we would not do it to stand on our own. If a party is formed, it will be part of Pakatan,” he said.

Phahrolrazi, who resigned from all posts in PAS after severe attacks against PasMa from within the party, said the decision also depends on whether the warring Pakatan parties can reconcile.

If not, the new party is likely to be formed before the 14th general elections, which can be called anytime after May next year.

PAS is under fire for unilaterally pushing for hudud to be implemented in Kelantan, despite objections from Pakatan partners.

DAP cut ties with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang when he submitted a private member’s bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 to pave the way for hudud in Kelantan.

DAP says it will still work with PAS, but PAS leaders say this is contradictory since Hadi was elected by PAS members and represents the party.