PETALING JAYA: PAS is sticking to its stance that it will play the role of Opposition with its partners in Perikatan Nasional, says deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
This comes after its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the party was considering joining the unity government under Pakatan Harapan.
Tuan Ibrahim told The Star that the people knew that the party stood firm with its “No Anwar, No DAP” principle.
“Perikatan has issued a statement that we will not join the Pakatan and Barisan Nasional government.
“We have stated our stance even before the election and the people know our stand. We are firm in our principles,” he added.
Perikatan, he said, would be an effective Opposition and would provide checks and balances against the government of the day.
PAS, he said, had accepted Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appointment as Prime Minister and hoped he would fulfil his promises and uphold the laws of the country.
On Friday, Takiyuddin said the party might consider Anwar’s offer for Perikatan to join the unity government.
He added that the matter would be discussed among the coalition’s component parties, and that the views of voters would also be considered.
However, yesterday Takiyuddin backtracked on his statement and said PAS had now made the decision not to join the government led by Pakatan and DAP after taking into consideration several aspects and respecting the mandate of the people, especially PAS and Perikatan voters.
“Hence, PAS will continue to play the role of a ‘constructive’ Opposition and will continue to advise all parties to ensure that the country is administered well and will be centred on the principles of compassion, clean (government), and stability,” he said in a statement.
Perikatan’s insistence on staying out of the unity government comes even as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which includes Sabah Bersatu with its six MPs, has thrown its support behind it.
PAS and Bersatu are component parties in Perikatan.
