Party president: ‘PAS move’ led to change in government, not ‘Sheraton move’

Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has set the tone for today’s PAS muktamar by claiming that it was the “PAS move”, not the “Sheraton move” that led to a change in the Federal Government.

Addressing the party’s Dewan Pemuda Assembly in Kota Baru yesterday, the PAS president claimed that it was his party’s actions which made it a kingmaker.

He said with 18 parliamentary seats under its belt, PAS managed to bring change by uniting the various Malay-based political factions.

The Marang MP also claimed that both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional had “asked for PAS’ hand in marriage” in a bid for power.

“We decided to take the middle path and form a third group – Gagasan Sejahtera. In their fight to be the government, both Pakatan and Barisan got tired – we did not.

“We then decided to introduce our politics where we united the Muslims first as they had the right of way to lead the government. After that, we united all the races.

“So it was not the Sheraton move, but our move, ” he said in his speech which was streamed live.

The “Sheraton move” refers to the meeting held at the hotel in February between various factions before the change in the Federal Government.

Hadi said Putrajaya was taken over in a calm and democratic way in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

“It must be said that PAS members never jumped party throughout, unlike other party members, ” added Abdul Hadi.

The assembly, a precursor to the party’s 66th muktamar, will be restricted to 400 delegates due to the recovery MCO.

Following GE14, PAS and Umno formed Muafakat Nasional as a base for Malay unity.

After the fall of the Pakatan government in February, PAS threw its support behind Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to become the eighth prime minister.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the highlight of the muktamar would be the presidential address, which would delve into the party’s present role.

He said Hadi was expected to ask PAS members to give full support to the Perikatan Nasional government.