Dissolution: Dismayed PAS hopes 'ummah unity' won't be derailed
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has voiced his disappointment at the dissolution of the Parliament today.
He described the dissolution as “rushed” since the Parliament only sat for four years and five months out of its five-year term.
Nevertheless, Hadi (above) said the party hopes it would not derail efforts to forge an electoral pact with...
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has voiced his disappointment at the dissolution of the Parliament today.
He described the dissolution as “rushed” since the Parliament only sat for four years and five months out of its five-year term.
Nevertheless, Hadi (above) said the party hopes it would not derail efforts to forge an electoral pact with Umno and Bersatu.
“PAS remains optimistic that efforts to unite the ummah would not be thwarted by an agenda that is not in public nor national interest.
“In that vein, PAS invites all citizens to fulfil their duty as voters in this crucial 15th general election,” he added.
PAS has been pushing its “ummah unity” agenda to form an electoral pact with Umno and Bersatu.
It argued repeatedly that Malay-Muslim unity is crucial for national stability, but Umno and Bersatu are going against each other in the election and both are pressuring PAS to take sides.
The word ummah is Arabic meaning “community”, but in common usage usually refers specifically to the Muslim community.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed PAS’ pleas as a “ploy”.
“We respect PAS’ decision. It’s up to them how they want (to navigate) the upcoming general election.
“If they want to work together, it has to be ‘totally’ and not just involve (specific) seats (aimed at denying) Pakatan Harapan (a victory).
“We think (PAS’ proposal) was either tactical or a ploy,” he said today.
