Ready for victory: Abdul Hadi (seated, centre), flanked by PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad (third from left) and PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (third from right), during the closing ceremony of the general assembly in Alor Setar. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
ALOR SETAR: PAS has endorsed a motion to take the lead in the Perikatan Nasional coalition in the 16th General Election and to name a candidate for prime minister from its own.
This was among the five motions that delegates agreed on at the party’s 71st muktamar (national assembly) in Kota Sarang Semut here yesterday.
“With more than 70 years of experience in national politics, a track record of governing strategic states, strong grassroots machinery and an unwavering commitment to Islam, PAS is proven to have the legitimacy, stability and capacity to put forward a prime minister candidate from among its leadership,” the motion said.
It also urged the party to immediately strengthen its election strategies, conduct detailed seat mapping, intensify communications and effective messaging, and mobilise the youth.
In supporting the motion, Shah Alam delegate Mohamed Sukri Omar said:
“It is time for PAS to be the nakhoda (captain) of Perikatan and steer the coalition towards the general election.”
As the backbone of Perikatan, he said PAS is its most stable pillar.
“This is evident in our internal democratic process, where elections within the party, across our wings and at the central leadership level have preserved the party’s core leadership structure,” he said.
As the largest party commanding the most seats in Parliament, he said PAS can solidify and empower the coalition.
Mohamed Sukri cited the success of SG4 (State Government 4) of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis as proof that PAS can govern.
The other resolutions touched on the economy and cost of living, social issues including the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), and international affairs.
On the proposed URA, Titiwangsa PAS delegate Mohamad Suhaimi Abdul Aziz, who tabled the motion warned that it is a “ticking time bomb” that will detonate in the next general election.
On cost of living, Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan proposed that the country’s financial position be strengthened through national ownership of key industries and natural resources, instead of introducing new taxes.
At a press conference later, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the move to name Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the prime ministerial candidate for Perikatan Nasional appears to have been made ahead of the opposition coalition’s official decision.
That decision, made during the Bersatu annual general meeting, was beyond the coalition consensus, Takiyuddin said.
“In any case, as a coalition built on equal partnership, there is no such thing as “big brother. We stand as equal partners in the coalition,” he told reporters after the conclusion of the party’s 71st Muktamar yesterday.
In its own annual assembly recently, leaders and members of Bersatu, PAS’ partner in Perikatan, had named its president Muhyiddin as Perikatan’s candidate for prime minister.
