PETALING JAYA: PAS leaders have backed the party’s decision to sever ties with Bersatu, stating that they are open to new political cooperation for the sake of Muslim unity, say its leaders.
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said the party’s decision to end cooperation with Bersatu was driven by a choice between “group interests” and the broader interests of the Muslim community.
He alleged that Bersatu had opposed the entry of other parties into Perikatan Nasional, while PAS views such inclusion as key to advancing Muslim unity.
“If the path towards unity is blocked, PAS has no other option but to explore other paths. However, the destination remains the same, which is Muslim unity,” he said.
“If it benefits Islam and Malays, PAS will pursue that path, even if it is longer and more difficult, rather than a shorter route that ultimately leads to failure.”
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said since the partnership with Bersatu did not allow the party to advance its goals of Muslim unity, PAS should explore working with like-minded groups to achieve the purpose.
“The decision may not be a popular one, but it is a bitter pill that must be swallowed for the greater good,” he said.
Ahmad Fadhli said PAS and Bersatu’s position within Perikatan Nasional will be managed in accordance with the coalition’s constitutional provisions.
Ulama chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the council fully backed the leadership’s decision to end political cooperation with Bersatu, saying the previous pact between PAS and Bersatu was grounded on the principle of mutual assistance and benefit.
“However, when the political cooperation no longer delivers broader Muslim unity and faces various constraints, PAS’s central leadership decided to end it,” he said.
