PAS progressive faction launches new movement

KUALA LUMPUR: A new movement made up primarily from the progressive faction from PAS was launched on Monday.

Calling themselves Gerakan Harapan Baru (New Hope Movement), they will eventually set up a new political party based on Islamic principles.

Its pro-tem committee chairman Mohamad Sabu (pic) said that Pakatan Rakyat couldn't function as before, disrupting the agenda to make changes to the country.

"The objective of this movement is to get the cooperation between the political parties, NGOs and the people moving," he said during a press conference to launch the movement here on Monday.

Mohamad said the movement would be inclusive, progressive and cared about the people.

The movement is made up primarily of PAS progressives such as Khalid Samad, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Hatta Ramli and Hanipah Maidin who lost in the recent PAS polls in June.

Former Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib is also part of the movement, which is seen to replace PAS in Pakatan.

When asked about the numbers they had, Sabu said they didn't have a headcount yet but the response to the movement was encouraging.

When asked if the movement would rival PAS, Sabu said it would be up to them.

"We are against Umno and Barisan Nasional," he said.

Dr Dzulkefly said the movement would be open to everyone regardless of their race or religion.

The movement has also planned on road shows all over the country from the end of July to the end of August.

Pakatan Rakyat has been declared dead after a fallout between PAS and DAP over disagreements on the implementation of hudud laws.