PETALING JAYA: PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (pic) says his party can no longer remain under the Perikatan Nasional umbrella with Bersatu.
He said the decision to end political cooperation with Bersatu was not driven by sentiment or short-term interests, but by an assessment of whether or not the partnership could advance the broader goals of Muslim unity and national political stability.
"The decision may not be a popular one, but it is a bitter pill that must be swallowed for the greater good.
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"However, PAS and Bersatu can no longer remain under the same umbrella following the decision made yesterday," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 9).
Late Monday (June 8) night, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced that the party had decided to terminate its political cooperation with Bersatu.
His announcement came after a special meeting of the PAS central working committee at party headquarters.
Ahmad Fadhli said Muslim unity is a key matter for PAS.
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"When Bersatu, during a Perikatan supreme council meeting, opposed the admission of parties such as Berjasa, Pejuang, Iman and Putra despite a proposal paper already having been prepared, the move clearly undermined the unity agenda that had long been championed," said the Pasir Mas MP.
"Together with Bersatu's conduct in Perlis and Negri Sembilan, the situation has affected the morale of PAS grassroots and election machinery to continue working alongside Bersatu in future elections," he said.
He assured that the position of PAS and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional would be managed in accordance with the coalition's constitutional provisions and through the appropriate channels.
Meanwhile, Sabah PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan on his Facebook defended the decision, saying PAS remained committed to unity based on principles, justice, and fairness.
He said PAS would continue to uphold efforts to foster harmony and would stand firm against any attempt to undermine unity among the ummah and the wider community.
"When there are parties that seek to tear down bridges of understanding, ignite hatred or obstruct efforts to unite the ummah and the people, PAS will stand firmly at the forefront, defending unity with all its strength for impartial justice and lasting harmony,” he said.
