Unlike Dr Mahathir Mohamad, PAS has consistently viewed Umno as an enemy, said the party's deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

“PAS will continue its struggle against Umno during the next general election, just as it has done in the past.

“Those who wish to contest in seats traditionally contested by PAS and make it a three-cornered fight are welcomed to do so. That is their democratic right.

“If anyone wants to accuse PAS of being spoilers, people should look in the mirror to see who has been consistent, and who is consistently making U-turns,” said Tuan Ibrahim in a statement today.

He was responding to Mahathir's latest salvo aimed at PAS, where the Pakatan Harapan chairperson accused the party of trying to derail attempts to unseat Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

'We want more than Najib's ouster'

Tuan Ibrahim said that such efforts were not new, as Pakatan Rakyat had tried to do so during the last general election.

“But at the time, Mahathir chose to be with Umno through Perkasa, in order to cement Najib and BN's rule.

“BN is in power until today because of Mahathir and the lopsided system perpetuated by him. Umno today is the result of Mahathir's tutelage,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

But for PAS, Najib's removal will not suffice, said Tuan Ibrahim.

“We urge the people to replace Umno and BN with a party that will change the corrupt system, that is based on Islam, for the safety of the country and her people.

“PAS' struggle has never changed. Islam is the core of our struggle because it is a complete, fair and perfect religion. We do not accept Islam as a religious practice only because Allah ordered Muslims to ensure Islam is all-encompassing,” he said.

Dr M once led 'party of thieves'

Tuan Ibrahim said PAS has always viewed Umno as a party of “robbers and thieves”, borrowing a term which Mahathir now frequently used to describe his former party.

“Even during the Mahathir era, Umno was a party of robbers and thieves, but Mahathir was unaware of this. Anyone who questions (Umno) must face a weapon known as the Internal Security Act 1960, which was used by Mahathir on a whim.

“In fact, the people are still fighting the very system which Mahathir left behind today,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

He said that during the Mahathir era, the opposition faced great suppression, including the removal of oil royalties to Kelantan and Terengganu.

The Mahathir era also saw the removal of several key government leaders who were against corruption, abuse of power and cronyism.

“Now the term has changed to 'kleptocracy'. Whatever the term, the reality is the abuse of power is still rampant. It is part of a culture in Umno which Mahathir now finds repulsive,” said Tuan Ibrahim.