PAS had no intention of intimidating Pakatan Rakyat partner PKR with a statement about a recent meeting with Umno recently, said Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub.

Party president Abdul Hadi Awang had explained that PAS members and leaders have the same right as PKR to hold discussions with Umno on issues of mutual interest.

salahuddin ayub and pas“I think this is not unusual, and this is what was meant by the president,” Salahuddin told reporters after submitting a memorandum today at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

He was asked to comment on remarks by Hadi that were published last week in PAS organ Harakah.

The PAS chief had admitted that party leaders had met with Umno members “to convey the message of Islam to individuals in Umno”.

Hadi had also said it should not be assumed that PKR is the only party reaching out to those in Barisan Nasional (BN).

“If others can meet Umno (leaders), why can’t PAS meet Umno? (Such comments) show a lack of understanding. On the basis of Islam, we have the right (to do so). PAS can negotiate with any party,” said Hadi.

“No one is the sole leader of Pakatan Rakyat. (Its) leadership is collective, and we have mutually agreed that the respective party leaders can seek to influence our friends in BN to join us. Because of this, the issue of why PAS is meeting Umno should not arise.”

‘Indispensable to Pakatan’

Hadi also cited PAS’ predominance in Pakatan after the March 8 general election. In state legislative assemblies, it holds 83 seats to DAP’s 73 and PKR’s 40.

hadi awang and pas“PAS people are the ones who worked for Pakatan’s gains. It has to be realised that PAS has the most party branches. PAS had the most workers during the 12th general election. PAS people worked for other peoples’ parties.

“After the victory, the role of PAS people needs to be taken into account. PAS people are not stupid. Do not sideline their contributions after the win.”

In a statement issued yesterday, PAS Muslimat (women’s) wing voiced support for Hadi and said all quarters need to realise that PAS is indispensable to Pakatan.

“The presence or absence of PAS’ machinery determines the success of both PKR and DAP,” it claimed.

Deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa had earlier denied that meetings had been held with Umno to discuss the possibility of collaboration.

Watch the 2-min video of the interview with the Pas Youth chief.