We're not extremist, says PAS as it tries to allay MCA fears of its alliance with Umno

PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man delivering the winding-up speech at the 64th PAS Annual Muktamar at the Gong Badak State Sports Complex on Malaysia Day (Sept 16). - Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: PAS has a message for fellow opposition party MCA: Do not be worried about us, we are not an extremist party. 

PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the accusation that PAS is an extremist party was a perception which was not true. 

“MCA does not have to worry about what PAS strives for in its politics. PAS is not an extremist party as it is being perceived as. 

“We have governed for many years and we are a registered party that follows the laws of the country. 

“PAS itself rejects any sort of extremism,” said Tuan Ibrahim at a press conference after the closing of the PAS 64th Muktamar here. 

He said PAS is willing to meet and have a dialogue with MCA to clear any sort of doubts. 

“We prefer having discussions, and we can do the same with MCA,” he said. 

Throughout the PAS general assembly, both PAS and Umno have openly declared an openness towards a formal alliance between the two former rivals. 

MIC has also officially announced that it has allied itself with PAS. 

However, MCA said it will not agree to Umno-PAS cooperation if it goes “on the path of racial and religious politics” as it would be “against the founding of Barisan Nasional”. 

“If any party in Barisan goes against the spirit of multiculturalism, moderation and power-sharing, it means Barisan will cease to exist,” said MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.