Hadi Awang: Don't exclude aid to other races on basis of bumiputera rights

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputra rights should not be used as the basis to exclude help to other races, said Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

"PAS has put forward the welfare society theme with the aim to help society as a whole and not just bumiputras," said the PAS president, referring to the government's Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Agenda launched on Saturday.

The Marang MP said while it could not be denied that bumiputras comprised the majority of the poor, PAS stood for justice and fairness.

Abdul Hadi said the measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were not in line with the Constitution.

He said economic development was a basic human right for all communities, and the same help had to be extended to other communities to address the issue of poverty.

Abdul Hadi also dismissed claims the party was reviewing its ties with PKR and DAP.

"Until now we are still with Pakatan Rakyat and our relationship is strong and very good," he said.

He said it was Umno that was desperate to get new political allies because the Barisan Nasional coalition was crumbling.

Abdul Hadi said PAS was standing firm with its political allies because it was committed towards the formation of a two-party system in the country.

On Saturday, certain PAS ulamas called on the party to review its relationship with the opposition pact during the upcoming muktamar.

The faction made the call purportedly to protect the party from harm as it said PAS did not fare well during the 13th general election.

Meanwhile, vice-president Salahuddin Ayub denied claims the party had suffered at the polls.

He pointed out that PAS had strengthened its position in Selangor by increasing its number of state seats from eight to 15.

The party had also increase its state seats in Johor, Terengganu and Malacca.

Meanwhile party secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali said the PAS muktamar and elections would be held from Nov 22 till Nov 24 while elections for the party's wings would be held on Nov 21.

"It will be held in Shah Alam and other details will be announced later," he said.